Adolescents tend to be impulsive, while adults tend to think before they act. Most suicidal adults plan their own death. They think about when, where and how they want to do it. The degree of planning is a strong indicator of risk. The more specific a person’s plan is, the more likely he is to carry it out. Therefore, the helper’s first step is to assess the risk and determine whether an attempt is imminent.
When it comes to methods, there are countless options: guns, knives, ropes, pills, cars, poison, jump sites, etc. Today, people have access to multiple means, making it a matter of choice. There are two factors involved in the decision. Will death be quick and painless? Guns are deadly, but they bring chaos. Some people dislike the idea of cutting themselves, while others fear choking. Pill and carbon monoxide poisonings take longer and leave open the possibility of intervention.
People contemplating suicide do not want a prolonged death. They want to end their lives now and don’t want to go through more pain than they’re already going through. Emotional, physical, or mental pain is what drove them this far, and the idea of adding to it is unthinkable.
Two other factors may also be included in the equation. That is, is death virtually guaranteed, and who will discover the body?
Some suicidal people may choose the bridge because there is no scene of death left for their loved ones to find. Individuals either sink into oblivion, never to be seen again, or their bodies are recovered by first responders such as police officers, paramedics, and the Coast Guard. In either case, the family will be spared a tragic scene.
Some suicidal people commit suicide in secluded places, such as parks, where their families cannot find their bodies. Some people rent hotel rooms for the same reason. Because strangers, not loved ones, have to deal with the immediate aftermath of disaster.
The important thing is that those who plan death think about the means. They don’t go into the challenge haphazardly, but rather decide in advance how they will do it, such as acquiring firearms and ammunition, stocking up on medical supplies, learning the hangman’s knot, knowing the direction of a car’s exhaust, etc. Take all necessary steps. These include jumping into the closed interior of a vehicle and checking to see if there are suicide barriers in areas where jumping could occur.
Once we have decided on the means and location, we will decide on a date. This is often not optional. Anniversaries such as marriages, divorces, birthdays, and deaths are often chosen because they have special meaning. This is why helpers pay attention to anniversaries, and why some safety plans for suicidal people focus on getting through this day. Although the person may still attempt suicide, there is no guarantee that the risk has gone away, but at least the helper has bought time. When it comes to suicide prevention, buying time can be everything.
If you or someone you love is considering suicide, seek help immediately. For assistance, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 by dialing 988 or texting TALK 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
