Suicide

A person who considers suicide is primarily seeking to end their suffering rather than to die. In reality, they are often ambivalent between their desire to live and their feeling that they can no longer endure the pain.

Most people in distress show signs of their suicidal intent, whether verbal or non-verbal. However, these signs are not always easy to detect, though they often reflect a state of crisis and serve as an implicit way of seeking help.

Associating suicide with cowardice or courage is a projection of one’s own perception onto another. In reality, a person does not attempt suicide by choice, but by lack of choice. They do not see courage or cowardice in their act, but rather a way to escape unbearable suffering that they no longer know how to get through.

Suicide is a sensitive topic and often difficult to discuss. However, talking about it helps break taboos and provides support to people in distress. Asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not give them the idea, but rather offers them a space to express their suffering. It is, however, essential to discuss the topic appropriately, avoiding trivialization, challenging someone, or glorifying suicide as a heroic act.

Suicidal behavior does not occur spontaneously. It results from a gradual process that includes the development and consolidation of suicidal thoughts, leading to the creation of a specific plan. Throughout this process, the individual gives signals or messages revealing their state. Most people thus show their despair before acting. However, in adolescents and impulsive individuals, this process can be faster.

A person in a suicidal crisis may suddenly appear relieved and show an improved mood, but this does not necessarily mean the danger has passed. A sudden improvement can actually indicate an increased risk: the person may be trying to reassure those around them, or they may feel relief at the thought that their suffering will soon end. Attention remains essential to understand the cause of this change and to assess whether the danger persists.

While suicidal thoughts are often associated with depression, a person who considers suicide does not necessarily show the classic signs of depression. Some may appear harsh or insensitive, while others may seem cheerful and remain active. These behaviors can mask deep distress and the presence of suicidal thoughts, highlighting the importance of careful observation.

Any expression of suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously, as it is a call for help. Special attention should be given to repeated statements or ones that have been going on for a long time. Their reccurence can lead to desensitization among those around them, making the risk less noticeable, like in the story of "the boy who cried wolf."