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Suicide preventionSuicide prevention<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Terminations%20And%20Abortions%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /><div class="ExternalClass37EB5C5B6E1A4817959216A8BFB5E5CC"><p>​Suicide is a complex phenomenon and is influenced by various interacting factors.<br></p></div><span> <h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​About​​​​​​​<br></h2></span> <p>The factors that contribute towards suicide are complex, and depend on each person. Certain factors have been linked to an increased risk of suicide, but just because someone has some of these factors present, it does not mean that they are suicidal.</p><h4>Risk factors</h4><ul><li>Mental health diagnosis: someone with a psychiatric diagnosis such as depressive-related disorders, an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.<br></li><li>Family history of a psychiatric diagnosis, suicide or suicidal behaviour<br></li><li>Exposure to the suicide of a family member or friend<br></li><li>Physical or sexual abuse<br></li><li>Exposure to violence<br></li><li>Bullying<br></li><li>Alcohol or drug use or dependence<br></li><li>Life transitions: death of a loved one, failing exams, job loss, end of romantic relationship<br></li><li>Access to means, such as guns, poison or medications<br></li><li>Conflict with close friends or family members<br></li><li>Limited social support<br></li><li>Physical or medical issues<br></li><li>Identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or any other sexual minority<br></li></ul><h4>Warning signs</h4><p>The following behaviour, behavioural changes and emotional states may be indicative that someone may be suicidal. It does not mean that if one or more of these factors are present that someone is suicidal, but these are red flags:<br></p><ul><li>Talking or writing about suicide. For example, making statements such as ‘I'm going to kill myself’, ‘I wish I could end everything’ or ‘nothing matters’<br></li><li>Talking about feeling hopeless, having no purpose, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, being a burden to others<br></li><li>Preoccupation with death<br></li><li>Withdrawing from friends and family<br></li><li>Feeling isolated<br></li><li>Hurting themselves (non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour), or hurting others<br></li><li>Physical changes in appearance or hygiene<br></li><li>Increased alcohol or drug use<br></li><li>Feeling trapped, hopeless or helpless about a situation<br></li><li>Sudden decline in academic or occupational performance<br></li><li>Struggling with sleep<br></li><li>Frequently missing work or class<br></li><li>Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns<br></li><li>Being more emotional than usual or prolonged periods of being sad<br></li></ul> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​What to do if you suspect someone is suicidal​​​​​​​<br></h2></span> <p>It is normal to feel anxiety and discomfort when talking to someone that you are worried about. The goal is not to take on the problems, or to have all the right answers. The goal is to show that you care and would like to help.</p><h4>These steps and tips can help in starting that conversation:</h4><ul><li>Ask them if everything is okay. Say that you’ve noticed that their behaviour has changed – mention specific behaviour or conversations that concern you.<br></li><li>Express your fears and concerns. Say: ‘I’m concerned by (change in behaviour) because….’<br></li><li>Let them know you care. Say: ‘You are important to me’ and ‘I love you’.<br></li><li>Listen to the response and provide an opportunity for the person to express their feelings. Accept and validate them in a non-judgemental and supportive manner.<br></li><li>Don’t mention values, morals or religious rights and wrongs.<br></li><li>Ask them directly if they’re thinking of suicide. Say: ‘Sometimes when people feel lonely and depressed they think about suicide. Are you thinking about suicide? Do you feel like you no longer want to live?’<br></li><li>If someone expresses they are suicidal, you should act, even if they told you to keep it a secret.<br></li><li>Acting could be contacting their loved ones, parents, partner, or taking them to the nearest clinic or hospital.<br></li><li>Emergency: If you are concerned that the person is in imminent danger, or in a life threatening position, seek help. Contact a local hotline for advice, or go to the nearest clinic or your nearest hospital. Clinics have set operating hours and do not offer 24/7 assistance.<br></li><li>Create a plan. Say: ‘Let’s come up with a plan together.’<br></li><li>Follow up with them after a few hours or a day. Checking in will reduce the stigma and open up future conversations.<br></li><li>Dealing with people who are suicidal can be overwhelming and stressful. Make sure you find ways to support yourself as you navigate this.<br></li></ul><h4>What to do if you are feeling suicidal</h4><ul><li>Talk to someone about how you feel - a friend, a partner, parent, or someone you trust.<br></li><li>Talk to a professional. You can get professional advice from a doctor, psychologist, social worker, or other health professional about your suicidal thoughts.<br></li><li>Don’t take substances such as drugs and alcohol.<br></li><li>Try to be in the company of loved ones such as family, friends, or someone else you love. The risk of suicide is increased when you are alone and isolated. Being with others can help distract suicidal attitudes, and help positively elevate your mood.<br></li></ul><h4>Terms related to suicide</h4><h4> Suicidal thoughts</h4> <p>An umbrella term that refers to a range of wishes, thoughts, ideas and preoccupations with death and suicide.</p><p>There are two kinds of suicidal thoughts: passive and active.</p><ul><li>Passive thoughts: when you wish you were dead or that you could die, but there is no plan to die by suicide. <br></li><li><div>Active thoughts: when you not only think about death or dying, but also have the intent to die by suicide (including a plan on how to do it).</div></li></ul><h4> Non suicidal self-injury (NSSI) </h4><p>When you injure yourself in a superficial way, without intending to cause death. An example of this would be cutting or burning your skin. These acts can be used as:</p><ul><li>a way to reduce tension or negative feelings;<br></li><li>a way to resolve interpersonal difficulties;<br></li><li>self-punishment for perceived faults; or<br></li><li>a plea for help.<br></li></ul><p>The methods used may be similar to those used during suicide completion. However, these actions should not be dismissed because the risk of accidental suicide is increased.</p><h4> Suicide attempt </h4><p>When you harm yourself with any intent to end your life, but you do not die as a result of your actions.</p><h4> Suicide </h4><p>When you injure yourself, with the intent to no longer live anymore and it results in death. Sometimes you may not have suicidal intent. For example, if you engage in non-suicidal self-injury with no intent to die, but accidentally inflict wounds that are deadly.<br></p> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">​​​​​​​​​​Services offered<br></h2></span> <p>Healthcare staff at our clinics are trained to assess and manage patients who present as suicidal. Clinical psychologists also provide <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Mental%20Health%20Services.pdf" target="_blank">mental health services at 15 of our clinics</a>. A referral to the clinical psychology and psychiatry services is made by either your treating doctor, or nurse, at the clinic after they have conducted an initial assessment.</p><p>The treatment of adolescents and children is a specialised area. They are referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health departments at Red Cross and Tygerberg hospitals.</p><p>The Matrix® substance abuse treatment service offers a walk-in outpatient service. Find out more on the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Personal-health/drug-and-alcohol-abuse/Help-and-treatment-for-your-addiction">City’s Matrix ® substance abuse treatment services</a>.<br></p>GP0|#cbc6e904-ae08-44d7-bd52-7580b4af8b02;L0|#0cbc6e904-ae08-44d7-bd52-7580b4af8b02|Suicide prevention;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#0bd97441-36e8-4539-8805-34c834946be7;GPP|#090e430c-3809-42d5-a80b-caea93b2beaf;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711Suicide is a complex phenomenon and is influenced by various interacting factors. 0

 

 

Mental Health Services ListMental Health Services List245450GP0|#af8a3963-d9e4-485f-ac84-7f8e7d3eff34;L0|#0af8a3963-d9e4-485f-ac84-7f8e7d3eff34|List;GTSet|#f1e8889f-f7d7-4d5b-a3f5-af0ca2e076ea;GPP|#3a03f9b9-d2e9-49b1-92e1-37b654747f82;GPP|#0972c695-fd19-46c4-ab5d-9601f17b780e2023-03-01T22:00:00Z

 

 

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