Suicide Awareness

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Usually a person planning to suicide displays some warning signs. Unfortunately it is often only in hindsight that these are recognised. Which of the following is NOT an early warning sign that a person may be intending to suicide? Giving away possessions Withdrawing from family and friends Making plans to attend a family function Changes in sleep pattern

2. Given that depression is the highest risk factor of suicide, once a person starts receiving treatment for depression they are at a lower risk of suicide. True False

3. In the United States of America the most common method of suicide is by firearms, which accounts for more than half of all deaths. Access to guns in Australia is limited and use of a firearm to commit suicide is the fourth most common method. What method accounts for the highest proportion of suicides in Australia? Drowning Carbon Monoxide poisoning Hanging Cutting (e.g. wrists)

4. Often people don't want to ask a loved one if he or she is thinking of suicide as they are afraid they will "put the idea in their head". This is not the case, and is an important question to ask. Once you have established that a person is suicidal, what is the next important thing to ask? Why they plan to commit suicide How they plan to commit suicide Why they are depressed How they could be so selfish

5. OK, you have established that your friend is suicidal. Under what circumstances would it be safe to leave them alone? Once they appear happier If they are in their own home They shouldn't be alone If you need to go to work or school

6. What should you NOT do if a person tells you they are having suicidal thoughts? Take them seriously Promise to keep their secret Be willing to listen Talk openly and directly

7. Never used on its own, a suicide contract is a tool that can be utilised in the long term management of a person with suicidality. A suicide contract can be a verbal agreement, but more commonly is a written contract signed by the person at risk of suicide. The contract will obviously include a clause not to harm themselves, but what else should be included in the contract? Legal terminology Names and phone-numbers of support people A list of reasons not to commit suicide Information about depression and symptoms

8. A person's risk of suicide is increased if he or she attempted suicide in the past. True False

9. Suicidal thoughts are often a symptom of depression. CBT, used in conjunction with medication, has been proven effective in treating depression. What does CBT stand for? Complete behavioural therapy Comprehensive brain therapy Computerised brain tomography Cognitive behavioural therapy

10. Along with grief, family and friends may feel stigmatised and isolated after a suicide death. What would be a helpful response to a person in this situation? All of these answers Talk about the person who has died Listen without judging Be aware of difficult times such as anniversaries or holidays