Loss of Autonomy and Suicide

What is loss of autonomy?

Bullying occurs when a person is frequently subject to aggressive behaviour or hurtful comments at school, at work, or online.

loss-of-autonomy-and-suicide

What changes are caused by a loss of autonomy?

Loss of autonomy can bring about many changes in a person’s life, such as:

  • Moving to a care facility (private residential or long-term care facility [CHSLD])
  • Needing home care
  • Developing memory problems
  • Learning to cope with the loss of a limb or sense (hearing, sight, etc.)

What are the effects of a loss of autonomy?

The loss of autonomy affects a person’s ability to function and can cause adjustment challenges or aggravate existing problems. For example, the person may:

  • Develop new fears
  • Feel more irritable than usual
  • Consume more alcohol or drugs than usual
  • Feel lonely
  • Have difficulty sleeping or sleep much more than usual
  • Feel worthless
  • Feel like a burden to others
  • Develop depression
  • Have suicidal thoughts

Are you experiencing a loss of autonomy and having suicidal thoughts?

People experiencing a loss of autonomy may have suicidal thoughts. If this is the case for you, consult the following sections:

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

What to do if you experience a loss of autonomy

It’s possible to find a way forward even if you experience a loss of autonomy. If it's affecting your psychological well-being, first call Info-Social at 811, option 2, to discuss your situation with a psychosocial worker and be referred, if necessary, to resources in your area that can provide support.

For an assessment and follow-up with a healthcare professional, consult a general practitioner (your family doctor, for example), a psychologist or contact your local CLSC.

Other resources can help people who have lost autonomy.

Find resources

Advice for people who are experiencing a loss of autonomy

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