One death by suicide is too many. but why those who are suicidal don’t reach out ? There are at least 15 reasons why someone with suicidal thoughts don’t reach out and speak up sooner.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.
Every suicide case is unique and the contributing factors vary from person to person. What we do know that there are risk factors affecting the likelihood that one may contemplate suicide or act on suicidal thoughts. Risk factors can include mental and physical health concerns, or environmental challenges, like abuse, trauma, bullying, job loss, or divorce.
Editor’s Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can :
In Singapore, call Samaritans Of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour hotline at 1800-221 4444.
In Malaysia, call BefriendersKL 24-hour helpline at +60376272929
In Indonesia, call hotline 500-454, official service from Health Ministry
In India,
Visit AASRA or call their 24/7 helpline at +91-22-27546669 or +91-22-27546667. You can also e-mail : [email protected].
In other countries – visit IASP or suicide.org . You can also e-mail [email protected] to talk to someone or go here to speak with someone.
Together, we can be there for those in crisis or thinking about suicide.
There are at least 15 reasons why people with suicidal thoughts staying silent, downplay their pain, and refuse to reach out :
- They are ashamed of their struggle
- They are scared they'll be hospitalised instantly
- They don't fell they have a 'safe place' to talk about their suffering
- They don't want to be accused of 'attention seeking'
- They worried they'll be criticized for how they are handling things
- They fear they'll be dismissed / be given overly simplify advice
- They worried they'll be judged more than they'll be understood
- They worried others won't be free and they can't cope with another rejection
- They worried if they do open up they won't be able to stop the flood of emotions that will follow and they'll overwhelm you
- They don't want their loved ones to be concerned for them
- Their struggle doesn't align with others perception of them (i.e. the strong one)
- They don't want to burden others with their problems
- They feel like they'll be misunderstood
- They are so overwhelmed they dont know how they'd communicate their thoughts / feelings to others
- They feel unworthy of support
This is why we should always check in on our loved ones – family, friends, colleagues, even strangers.
What are some other reasons why someone may not reach out ?
Share your comment below ! Together, we can be there for those in crisis or thinking about suicide.
