A Phone Call Could Prevent A Suicide Attempt

A few phone calls to people who have suicidal tendencies could significantly reduce future suicide attempts and save many lives, a new study has found.

Over five crore Indians suffer from depression, a major contributor to global suicides, occurring mainly in low-and middle-income countries like India. According to the World Health Organisation, close to 800,000 people kill themselves every year and there are many more who attempt suicide. "People who are suicidal are often disconnected and socially isolated," said Michael Allen, professor at the CU Anschutz. "So any positive contact with the world can make them feel better," said Allen.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Over one million people attempt to take their own life every year.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Brown University in the US found that phone calls to suicidal patients following discharge from emergency departments led to a 30% reduction in future suicide attempts. The year-long trial, which involved 1,376 patients across US, provided suicidal patients with interventions that included specialised screening, safety planning guidance and follow-up telephone calls.

The trial took place in three phases to create three comparison groups. In the first phase, 497 patients received each ED's usual treatment as a control group. In phase two, universal screening was implemented and 377 patients received additional attention in the ED. In the third phase, 502 patients received the experimental intervention.

Those patients received the same Phase 2 care including additional suicide screening from ED physicians, suicide prevention information from nurses and a personal safety plan they could fill out to prepare for times when they might begin harbouring suicidal thoughts again. Over the next year, they also received periodic phone calls from trained providers, who would discuss suicide risk factors, personal values and goals, safety and future planning, treatment engagement and problem solving.

It was found that the number of suicide attempts and the proportion of people attempting suicide declined significantly in the intervention group compared to treatment as usual. The middle group, which received only additional screening, did not show a significant drop compared to the treatment as usual group.

Warning signs of Suicide The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or psychologist involved. Here are the warning signs:

• Talking about suicide or any talk about dying or self-harm.
• Seeking out lethal means like pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
• Preoccupation with death or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.
• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped.
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred.
• Making out a will, giving away prized possessions etc.
• Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends.
• Withdrawing self from friends and family. There is an increasing social isolation and a desire to be left alone.
• Self-destructive behavior like increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, etc.
• A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide.
  
  (With inputs from PTI)