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People who have schizophrenia are in a high-risk bracket for suicide. One in every ten people will complete suicide and so any threats of suicide should always be taken very seriously. Below is a list of some of the signs, which may indicate that someone is thinking of taking their life:
1. Remember that sometimes you cannot reason with acute psychosis.
2. Do not express irritation or anger.
3. Speak quietly, firmly and simply.
4. Don’t criticize. It will only make matters worse.
5. Don’t bait your relative into acting out wild threats. The consequences could be tragic.
6. Don’t stand over your relative if they are seated. Instead, seat yourself.
7. Avoid direct, continuous eye contact or touching.
8. Comply with requests that are neither endangering nor beyond reason. This provides the person with an opportunity to feel somewhat in control.
9. Don’t block the doorway, however do try and keep yourself between your relative and an exit.
10. Decrease other distractions immediately.
11. Turn off the television and radio.
12. Express understanding for what your relative is experiencing.
Always stress to your relative that their life is important to you and to others and that his or her suicide would be a tremendous and upsetting loss to you, not a relief. If suicide is attempted, contact the emergency services and phone someone to come and be with you.
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