Loss of life by any cause, including suicide, has a devastating impact on friends and loved ones.
Most often, their grief is accompanied by guilt, for not being able to recognise the warning signs in the periods leading up to the act, says Anna Brooke, chief research officer for Lifeline Australia.
She tells SBS that being able to recognise the warning signs, knowing how to talk and listen to someone who may be suicidal, and knowing where to turn for help, can make a difference.
When talking about suicide, it must be remembered that everyone’s journey and story are different, Dr Brook says, with emphasis on being aware of changes that can occur in a person.
Changes in circumstances, such as job loss, marriage breakdown, family difficulty, and health issues, often act as triggers.
These situations can occur without any warning or at the fault of the individual, but can often become a "tipping point" in a person's life, Dr Brook explains.
Some of the signs to be aware of include:
- Withdrawal from relationships
- Change in sleep pattern
- Trouble concentrating
- Thinking/talking about death or self-harm
- Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness or helplessness
Reasons surrounding suicide are often very complex and caused by multiple factors.
An individual often experiences and reacts to distress differently, and some people may not have any outward signs that are obvious.
Therefore, Dr Brook says it's important for friends and loved ones to follow their instincts if they see any behaviours which may raise red flags.
Be in the moment and stay in the moment
When someone shows signs or expresses thoughts of self-harm, it is important to “orient to that person, sit with them, and check with them,” says Dr Brook.
Ask them directly and unambiguously if they are considering taking their own life.
It’s OK to ask, and it’s important to ask.Dr Anna Brook, national manager for Lifeline Research Foundation
Dr Brook says one of the common misconceptions is the idea that talking about suicide can instigate suicidal thoughts.
“But we know that this is not the case,” she explains.
In fact, bringing the topic straight up can unburden those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. It shows that you care, that you understand, and that you are ready to listen.
If they open up about thoughts of self-harm, “be in the moment and stay in the moment”, Dr Brook says.
Encourage them to express their feelings and listen with empathy and without judgement.
Ask open-ended questions like, “please tell me more about that?”; or “how does that make you feel?” so that they can express how they are feeling.
Where to go for help
It can be both frightening and challenging if someone discloses thoughts or feelings about self-harm and suicide.
Support and resources are available, both to those who are struggling and to those trying to help.
If someone is in imminent danger, call 000.
If they’re distressed but not in imminent danger, services like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are also text and chat services.
For those who do not speak English, you can still access this crisis support by calling the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS 13 14 50).
The Mental Health Federation Australia also launched their multilingual chatbot service (see below), providing support in your language.
If an appointment can be made quickly to see a GP, psychologist or counsellor, they should also be considered, Dr Brook says.
But once someone discloses self-harm, it is crucial that loved ones "line up the next steps" by linking them to appropriate help.
Once those measures are taken, it's encouraged to check in frequently, and let them know that you care, and that "you want to be part of their journey going forward", she explains.
Stigmas in CALD communities
Language and cultural barrier may hinder people from CALD backgrounds from getting the support needed, and for the new arrivals, having no one to discuss their issues often add to the burden.
According to Vasan Srinivasan, CEO of Mental Health Foundation Australia (MFHA), CALD communities comprise around 21 per cent of suicide cases in Australia annually, which is equivalent to 700 or more people.
Mr Srinivasan says there is a huge stigma surrounding discussing issues such as suicide in the CALD community
Unfortunately we don't talk about mental health, and we don't give value to mental health. We try to push it under the carpet.Vasan Srinivasan, CEO of Mental Health Foundation Australia
Mr Srinivasan says Australians must take these factors into consideration when discussing suicide with CALD communities, and approach it in a culturally sensitive, respectful and empowering ways.
Where CALD communities can go for help
MHFA is linked with over 90 communities, to not only support those in need but to educate and increase awareness about mental health.
The organisation launched a last year, to provide mental health support 24/7 in 114 languages.
The chatbot attracted 1,760 chats on the initial day, with suicide and anxiety the most talked about topics.
The top languages included Mandarin, Japanese, Swedish, Polish, German, Turkish and Italian.
"There is a huge demand," says Mr Srinivasan.
The survey conducted on multicultural mental health by the organisation (2020-21) showed that the CALD communities preferred to chat digitally, and 60 per cent preferred online counselling as opposed to face-to-face counselling.
"You can see that stigma is still there", but the key to helping these communities maybe taking a different approach, such as using digital means, which does not necessarily involve face-to-face.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000).
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Mental Health Foundation Australia 1300 643 287
Mental health support in your state and territory
