"attempted suicide"... meaning..?

by Gregor 31 Replies latest watchtower medical

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  Gregor

  I see this expression being used frequently and I think it would be helpful to parse the possible meaning by the person using it. Why? Because it has such a HUGE range of possible impressions that could be taken by the reader. Just to illustrate, I will place myself in the #1 category below of person who might use the expression "attempted suicide".

  A. - At times you have felt such despair over life related problems, money, relationships or just general unhappiness that you have actually played out a scenario in your mind of how you would do it and included the imagined impact it would have on those who have hurt you as well as loved ones. You have never pursued the actual carrying out of the fantasy in any tangible way, i.e., buying a gun, tying a rope to a rafter, etc.

  B. -Same as above but you have actually sat on the edge of the bed with a loaded gun in your mouth, or stood on a stool with a rope around your neck, etc.

  C. - You actually 'attempted suicide' but survived. The rope broke, so to speak.
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  daniel-p

  Put me down for A and B. But I'd still never call it "attempted suicide." In my mind, that means someone who attempted to kill themselves, as is the literal and direct meaning of those words.
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  nvrgnbk

  Glad you're still here, Gregor.

  I'm with you in the "A" group.

  Probably most of here are.
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  cognizant dissident

  Call me a stickler for accuracy, but I would never confuse A or B with "attempted suicide". A is imagined suicide at best and B is seriously contemplated suicide and made a plan.

  Cog
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  AudeSapere

  I believe Option A is referred to as 'suicide ideation'. (Thought about it and have a plan.)

  National Center for Health Statistics gives this definition: Suicidal ideation is having thoughts of suicide or of taking action to end one's own life. Suicidal ideation includes all thoughts of suicide, both when the thoughts include a plan to commit suicide and when they do not include a plan. Suicidal ideation is measured in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the question “During the past 12 months, did you ever seriously consider attempting suicide?” http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/datawh/nchsdefs/suicidalideation.htm

  I'm not sure how Option B would be classified and it might depend on why the person did not proceed further.

  I've been told that Option C is more common than completed Suicide and that most of these failed attempts are made by people who were crying out for help and/or attention but didn't know how to find it without the dramatic set-up. My understanding is that people who are truly intent on completing it, succeed.

  I've been pretty low. It's a cold, dark, lonely place.

  If you or someone is talking about suicide - and especially if the have a plan - they require immediate medical attention.

  If someone is depressed but not yet talking about suicide, be a solid support for that person. Create a safe environment for them to talk candidly with you without adding much drama. Help them seek medical care to treat the depression and assess if their is an underlying medical cause.. Invite them to your home for dinner no matter how humble it is. The simpler the better. If they cancel, bring them a doggie bag. If they don't answer the door, leave the package outside the door and leave a voicemail message. Follow-up. Keep in contact and help them find joy in simple pleasures. Don't just write them off. You may find that just a little human kindness can go a very long way - especially for a depressed person who may be quietly thinking of a plan.

  -Aude.
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  shamus100

  I've been suicidal at some points in my life - in the A category. I would consider an attempt in the B category - you've already made the arrangements, and stopped for various reasons.
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  crazyblondeb

  I can honestly say I've done the A...B....& C.

  Only C is what i'd call a suicide attempt for real!!
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  SirNose586

  I think B and C would qualify in my book as attempted suicide. The A option just means you feel suicidal....but no action, no harm, no foul.
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  AudeSapere

  The A option just means you feel suicidal....but no action, no harm, no foul.

  Actually, Option A is very common and can be extremely dangerous. Dwelling on the ideation over time starts becoming a favorite fantasy and can easily lead someone to intentionally drive off a cliff or some other equally deadly and instant action.

  Option A is definitely serious business. It requires medical attention.

  I don't have statistics but know for a fact that many, many people succeed with their first attempt. That attempt follows dwelling on the ideation.

  The most successful group of suiciders are white men over 85 years of age (6 times the national US rate). http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Depression/nimh/suicide_4.asp

  While Option A may not be classified as an 'attempt' it is no less dangerous. To say 'no harm, no foul' woefully trivializes the situation.

  Unless, of course, this discussion is simply about semantics. Somehow, I don't think that's the case.

  -Aude.
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  AK - Jeff

  I have known of several of the 'c' class. Generally I doubt you would hear about A or B. I have never been to any of those places, but if one hits B, I would think he should get some help now, before he goes to C.

  Of course there is always D - that stands for Dead and means someone accomplished it. I have known a couple of those too.

  Jeff