Tips on Suicide
Weathering the Storm - (Extracts from the book: BDOTI FIL-MALTEMP. Edited by Nora Macelli and Connie Magro. Published by the Mental Health Association and the St Jeanne Antide Foundation, 2015.) Translated by JEAN KILLICK
Suicide
You should learn the sign-posts of suicide and look out for them. The signs include comments like: “I’m so sick of this world. I don’t want to live anymore.” Other indications may be when the patient shares out his possessions; leaves a letter where it can be seen; draws up a will without ever having mentioned it before. It doesn’t matter if one speaks openly of suicide as this can save their life. Don’t be afraid to ask the patient if he/she is thinking of ending their life. Seek the advice of a professional. One should always bear in mind that you are not guilty of someone else’s suicide. When a cancer spreads, no one feels guilty. In the same way, one should not feel that he/she has caused the suicide.
Suicide
You should learn the sign-posts of suicide and look out for them. The signs include comments like: “I’m so sick of this world. I don’t want to live anymore.” Other indications may be when the patient shares out his possessions; leaves a letter where it can be seen; draws up a will without ever having mentioned it before. It doesn’t matter if one speaks openly of suicide as this can save their life. Don’t be afraid to ask the patient if he/she is thinking of ending their life. Seek the advice of a professional. One should always bear in mind that you are not guilty of someone else’s suicide. When a cancer spreads, no one feels guilty. In the same way, one should not feel that he/she has caused the suicide.
