Suicide Awareness: Identifying Signs and Offering Support

Recent news reports have highlighted a rise in suicide cases linked to academic pressure and emotional distress. Statistics show that Hong Kong’s suicide rate reached a ten-year high in 2024. Humans are among the few species prone to suicide. Suicidal tendencies may stem from prolonged depression, the inability to experience joy, or the inability to cope with a sudden, significant setback, leading to the choice of ending one’s life. This article outlines the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and offers guidance on how to support yourself or others in crisis.

Warning Signs in Someone Contemplating Suicide

Most individuals who attempt or die by suicide have previously shown signs of distress. If friends or partners can identify these signals early, there may be an opportunity to intervene. According to The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong, individuals with suicidal ideation may exhibit the following signs:

Emotional Indicators

Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
Irritability, anxiety, or nervousness
A sense of despair or feeling uncared for
Mood swings, such as sudden bursts of energy during depressive episodes
Frequent self-criticism and low self-worth

Physical Indicators

Unexplained physical discomfort
Loss of appetite or overeating
Significant weight changes
Sluggish movements or reactions
Unkempt/disheveled look

Thought Patterns

Persistent self-blame and self-loathing
Believing death is a way to gain forgiveness or understanding from others
Thoughts or plans of suicide or self harm
A lack of interest in future plans
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Memory decline
Feeling that others would be better off without them

Behavioural Indicators

Insomnia
Poor concentration
Neglect of personal appearance
Unexplained crying
Sudden personality changes, such as increased irritability
Withdrawal from loved ones, saying goodbye, or giving away cherished items
Expressing feelings of life being meaningless, mentioning suicide, or discussing posthumous arrangements
Alcohol abuse or drug misuse
Sudden fascination with death
Decline in work performance or academic results
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

Verbal Indicators

Speaking slowly
Phrases that may indicate suicidal intent:
- “If I died…”
- “I won’t bother you anymore…”
- “Nothing will matter anymore…”
- “Nothing can help anymore...”
- “I don’t know what else I can do…”
- “I’m truly sorry… I hope this will be better for them…”
- “Goodbye…”

Levels of Suicidal Ideation

In addition to behavioural signs, suicidal ideation can be categorised into five levels:

None – No suicidal thoughts or plans
Mild – Suicidal thoughts without specific plans
Moderate – Suicidal thoughts with general plans, but still able to resist the urge
Severe – Frequent and intense suicidal thoughts with concrete plans
Critical – Clear expression of suicidal intent and desire to end life as soon as possible

If someone is at level 4 or 5, it is crucial to seek immediate help from their family, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist to support them through the crisis.

5 Ways to Help Yourself Overcome Suicidal Thoughts

If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts and feel unable to control the impulse, please reach out to someone you trust immediately. Do not isolate yourself. If no one is available, contact a support organisation or speak to our psychiatrist. Here are five strategies to help you manage suicidal urges:

Get Through the Next Five Minutes
Try to distract yourself—talk to someone, watch animal videos, or rewatch your favourite film. The urge to act on suicidal thoughts often diminishes after a few minutes.
Remove Harmful Objects
Eliminate anything you might use to harm yourself. If you are alone, call someone you trust and explain your current situation.
Challenge Your Thoughts
Make a deal with yourself not to act today. Think about things you’ve always wanted to do—whether it’s skydiving, seeing the Northern Lights, taking a bubble bath, or enjoying a hot chocolate.
Treat Yourself as You Would a Friend
Imagine a loved one feeling suicidal—what would you say to comfort them? Say those same words to yourself with kindness and compassion.
Clear Your Mind or Go for a Walk
Find a comfortable position and allow yourself to relax without thinking. Alternatively, take a walk in the park, stroke a cat or dog—animals live in the moment and don’t dwell on the past or future.

How to Support Someone with Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is often impulsive, and timely intervention from those around the individual can be life-saving. If someone close to you seems persistently depressed or expresses suicidal thoughts, consider the following steps:

Ask What They Need
Regularly ask, “Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?” This shows your willingness to support them without imposing your own assumptions. If they respond with “I don’t know” or “I don’t need anything,” continue to check in weekly with a simple message.
Be a Companion, Not a Fixer
It’s easy to feel frustrated when someone doesn’t seem to improve. Avoid becoming overly directive or assuming your way is best. Instead, walk alongside them with empathy and patience. Refrain from being judgmental.
Show Empathy
To help someone we care about feel better, it’s easy to say things like, “Don’t cry! Try to look on the bright side…” or “You already have so much to be happy about, don’t think this way.” But the truth is, pain isn’t something that can be compared. What really matters is showing empathy and giving the other person space to let their emotions out. When someone feels understood, they can release their feelings, and only then will they have the clarity and strength to sort through their thoughts, solve problems, and face reality.

Emergency Support Hotlines

If you’re struggling to cope or experiencing sudden thoughts of suicide, please know that you may not truly want to die—you just want the pain to stop. You don’t have to face this alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider calling a support hotline:

Shall We Talk

24-hour Mental Health Support Hotline: 18111

The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong

24-Hour Emotional Support Hotline: 2389 2222
English Emotional Support Hotline: 2389 2223
ChatPoint（Online Chat Service）
Here to Hear (Peer Hotline) 2389 2227 or Whatsapp 5779 7356

OT&P MindWorX

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you may also contact our psychiatrists or psychologists for support.

References

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3. How to cope with suicidal thoughts. (n.d.). How to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-symptoms/suicidal-thoughts-how-to-cope/

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5. 精選轉載. (2019). 身邊有人想自殺怎麼辦？心理博士從臨床工作中領悟的十個原則. The News Lens 關鍵評論網. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.thenewslens.com/article/128899

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