Ten years ago my husband tried to commit suicide. He attempted to overdose on painkillers. Our relationship was having a rough patch at the time. Fortunately, he survived and was able to get the psychological help that he needed. Our relationship has improved greatly and we have put it behind us.
When a person commits suicide, the grim reality is that a person has died by their own hand. However, what happens when a suicide attempt fails? What exactly is the aftermath, and how do people recover? A person who chooses to commit suicide is at a low, depressed, hopeless point in their life. The cry for help calls for help and support for the victim, family, and friends.
The CDC reports that for every suicide which ends in death, twenty-five people attempt suicide and survive. Many survivors end up in the hospital with their bodies damaged along with their emotional health. Physically, the survivors may have damaged their brain, heart, internal organs, or suffer paralysis, disfigurement, or broken bones. In 2012, there were 40,600 deaths by suicide in the United States. It is the tenth leading cause of death in America. Someone chooses to commit suicide every 12.9 minutes.
Kevin Briggs, a retired California Highway Patrol Officer who would patrol Golden Gate Bridge, a popular place to attempt suicide, shared:
?After a free fall of four to five seconds, the body strikes the water at about 75 miles an hour. That impact shatters bones, some of which then puncture vital organs. Most die on impact. Those that don’t, generally flail in the water helplessly, and then drown. I don’t think that those who contemplate this method of suicide realize how grisly a death they will face.?That very few who have jumped off the bridge and lived can talk about it, that one or two percent, most of those folks have said that the second that they let go of that rail, they knew that they had made a mistake and they wanted to live.”
Warning Signs
If someone is contemplating suicide, there is help available. Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
People are at risk if they talk about:
- Killing themselves
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
A person’s suicide risk is greater if certain behaviors are new or increase, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss, or change such as:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online for materials or means.
- Acting recklessly.
- Withdrawing from activities.
- Isolating from family and friends.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Aggression.
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression.
- Loss of interest.
- Rage.
- Irritability.
- Humiliation.
- Anxiety.
There are several options available to find help. The Suicide Prevention Hotline can be called anytime: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). A person can go to any hospital or urgent care/clinic. You can also call 911 or your local emergency services if outside the United States. There are people who will listen and help you if needed. If you have already lost someone to suicide, you can also find help in dealing with the grief and emotions you may be feeling. You can find a support group for survivors or get involved in outreach and raising awareness.
Suicide doesn’t have to be the answer. Reach out ? for yourself or someone else. There is help available.
