The Suicidal Journey: the Recognition of Suicidal Indicators by Significant Others

Suicide is an emotive issue. People recognise the tragedy that it brings, the cutting short of the life of a worthwhile individual, the horrendous impact on significant others. The essential message in this book is that in about 80 percent of cases indicators are given to significant others that there is a real risk of suicide. The suicidal journey commences when significant others are given opportunity to recognise, either verbally or behaviourally, the suicidal indicators given by another person. The data source for this study was the 1,033 suicide cases recorded by the South Australian Coroner between 1997 and 2001. It was found that suicides do not occur in a biographical vacuum. There is often a precipitating event prior to the suicide consistent with risk factors comprising the suicidal journey. Once significant others are given the tools to recognise the indicators of a suicidal journey in the life of a loved one, they can inform health professionals and hopefully avert the tragedy of suicide.