What is suicide?

Suicide is an act of taking one’s own life which results in death. Teenage suicides have a history of:

• Family conflicts
• Personal failures
• Recent loss
• Difficulty in communicating
• Substance abuse
• Previous suicide attempts

Why does one attempt suicide?

Reasons for committing suicide include:

• Depression
• Misunderstanding with parents
• Failed relationship
• Failing exams
• Being abused
• Being bullied
• Loneliness

What are the warning signs of suicide?

A suicidal person often shows or has the following:

• Feelings of:
  • Sadness
  • Anger
  • Irritability
  • Guilt

• Withdrawal from social contact
• Inability to sleep
• Loss of appetite
• Thoughts about death
• Inability to do daily activities
• Excessive indulgence in:
  • Alcohol
  • Cigarettes
  • Prescribed or illicit drugs

• Sudden behavioral changes such as:
  • Giving away personal belongings
  • Seeking forgiveness
  • Talking about death

How can you prevent suicide?

Get help immediately:

• Talk to someone you trust
• Call helpline

• Example: BEFRIENDERS, lifeline Association of Malaysia

• Seek spiritual advice
• Talk to a doctor

What if no help is given?

The final outcome is DEATH!!!

Where can you get help?

Talking to someone you can trust e.g.:

• Parents
• Trusted family members
• School counselors
• Religious teachers

Finding someone who can:

• Listen
• Console
• Give good advice

OR

Seek professional help from:

• Doctors
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists