MessagesHelp.org
Caring After a Suicide Attempt
There is high risk, especially soon after surviving a suicide attempt
About a million people are alive in Australia today who have attempted suicide at some time in their life. The figures are likely to be very similar for Sri Lanka. The early days and weeks after an attempt are a very dangerous time. Ongoing emotional support such as our messages are very protective when they come from multiple people over a prolonged period of time.
Very common
- •Many people attempt suicide and survive; carers are not alone.
- •In Sri Lanka, an estimated ~50,000 attempts per year — about a plane full of people every day.
Reactions after survival
- •Survivors may feel judged, stigmatised, or seen as weak or unstable.
- •Despite this, many are glad to be alive and often say, "I did not know so many people cared."
Emotional pain is the driver
- •Suicide attempts are usually an effort to stop overwhelming emotional pain by losing consciousness.
- •The person often does not know or care whether this will be temporary or permanent.
- •Ongoing protection with strong emotional support from multiple people is crucial until pain settles.
Professional assessment
- •Best practice is at least one professional assessment after an attempt, with ongoing care if appropriate.
- •Family and friends providing repeated, continuing messages are a major support.
- •Medication may help some people, especially if they have depression.
Risks after survival
- •A recent suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of later suicide.
- •There is a 5–10% risk of another attempt, highest in the first 12 months, especially soon after the attempt.
- •Risk is particularly high immediately after discharge from psychiatric care and then gradually reduces over weeks.
- •A 5–10% risk of eventual death by suicide remains in later years.
Early warning signs and safety planning
- •Reviewing warning signs can help earlier action next time.
- •Creating a written safety plan (with warning signs, self-help steps, reasons for living, distractions, and people to contact) is very useful.
- •Discuss with the doctor whether short-term medication to help sleep may be appropriate during intense suicidal thoughts.
- •Evidence shows that multiple connections and also safety plans reduce risks.
Substances
- •Avoid alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs.
- •These reduce self-control and self-preservation, increase impulsivity, and raise danger when someone is still vulnerable.
Helpful question/message
"If our positions were reversed, and I had the problems you have, what would you advise me to do?"