Suicide

Suicide (from Latin sui caedere, to kill oneself) is the act of willfully ending one's own life; it is sometimes a noun for one who has committed or attempted the act.

Suicidal thoughts as a medical emergency

Psychiatric emergency

Severe suicidal thoughts are generally considered to be a medical emergency. People seriously considering suicide are generally advised to seek help right away. This is especially true if the means (weapons, drugs, or other methods) are available, or if a detailed plan is in place.

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Current medical advice is that people who are seriously considering suicide should go to the nearest emergency room, or call the emergency services. Severe suicidal ideation, according to this advice, is a condition that requires immediate emergency medical treatment. If depression is a major factor, then treatment usually leads to the disappearance of suicidal thoughts.

Related Topics:
Emergency room - Emergency services - Suicidal ideation

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First aid

Anyone who knows a person whom they suspect to be suicidal can assist them by taking them aside and asking them directly if they have contemplated committing suicide. Posing such a question does not render a previously non-suicidal person suicidal. Follow-up questions can include if the person has made specific arrangements, has set a date, etc. The person questioning should seek to be understanding and sympathetic above all else. A suicidal person will often already feel ashamed or guilty about contemplating suicide so care should be taken not to exacerbate that guilt.

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An affirmative response to these questions should motivate the immediate seeking of medical attention. If the doctor who normally treats the person is unavailable, contacting the emergency room at the nearest hospital is recommended.

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If possible a suicidal person should go to an emergency room and ask to be admitted to the mental health ward on a voluntary basis. The advantage of voluntarily seeking treatment rather than being involuntarily committed is that involuntary commitment would require intervention by the legal system. In addition, in most jurisdictions the same process followed to be committed must be followed to be released.

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Law enforcement can be involved if the person seems determined to make a suicide attempt. While the police do not usually have the authority to stop the suicide attempt itself, in some countries including some jurisdictions in the US, killing oneself is technically homicide, and a disruptance of public order, which could justify their intervention. In most cases law enforcement does have the authority to have people involuntarily committed to mental health wards. Usually a court order is required, but if an officer feels the person is in immediate danger he can order an involuntary commitment without waiting for a court order. Such commitments are for a certain amount of time, such as 72 hours – which is long enough for a doctor to see the person and make an evaluation. After this initial period, a hearing is held in which a judge can decide to order the person released or can extend the treatment time further. Afterwards, the court is kept informed of the person's condition and can release the person when they feel the time is right to do so.

Related Topics:
Law enforcement - Mental health ward - Court order

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