A suicidal person, even if they want help, finds it difficult to seek support from others. Most people who commit suicide do not want death but simply no longer suffer.
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing and giving necessary warning signs importance. For example, when a person considers that a friend or family member might commit suicide, they can interfere, afraid to talk about it, but talking openly about thoughts and feelings about harming oneself can save a life.
It is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible! When an individual shows that he understands, supports, and encourages the other, suicide prevention can happen.
Understanding and Preventing Suicide
Suicide rate is increasing every year and it is estimated that approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide every year. What causes so many people to give up their lives? It is difficult to understand the reasons, especially for those who do not suffer from depression and other related disorders.
A suicidal person suffers so much that they can’t find another option that might ease the pain. Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape from suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of hatred, hopelessness, and isolation, these people can’t find any other alternative to their situation than death.
These people usually have a history of previous suicide attempts, a history of mental disorders, a family history of suicide, and a history of trauma. Although a suicidal person may want to find an alternative to suicide, they can’t find any other solution.
Warning Signs That A Person May Be Suicidal
Most people who think of suicide show some signs of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs of suicide and take appropriate measures in this direction.
Suppose an individual believes that a friend or a family member has suicidal intentions. In that case, it may play a role in preventing suicide, offering alternatives, supporting, and convincing the person with suicidal thoughts to turn to a professional who can help.
Major warning signals include scenarios about suicide or harming, talking or writing about death, and interest in things that relate to a suicide attempt (weapons, drug abuse). These signals can be even more dangerous if the person manifests a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder from alcohol dependence, previously attempted suicide, or has a family history of suicide.
Another clue is the lack of hope. Studies have found that hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicide. People who have not exhibited feelings of unbearable hope see the future in dark colors and are pessimistic.
Other warning signs that indicate a predisposition to suicide are sudden mood changes or sudden personality changes like reckless behavior, dramatic mood, withdrawal from friends and family, the loss of interest in daily activities, neglect of personal appearance, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Importance Of Communication
Suppose a person detects warnings about a possible suicidal act. In that case, they might be reluctant to talk about this subject with the person who shows concern. They think that it might be wrong signals or that the person may be angry.
In such situations, these feelings of doubt and fear are normal but bear in mind that anyone who talks about suicide or gives warning beeps needs help, and if the help comes faster, the chances of preventing the suicide are higher.
Misconceptions About Suicide
FALSE: People Who Have Conversations About Suicide Will Not Commit It.
Almost all those who commit or attempt suicide do give clues or show warning signs. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “you will be sorry when I am gone” or “I can’t find any way out of this situation,” can raise serious questions.
FALSE: If A Person Is Determined To Kill Himself, Nothing Can Stop Her.
Even the person who suffers from severe depression has ambivalent feelings about death and boggles until the last moment between dying and living. Most suicidal do not want death and want the pain to stop. The impulse of suicide, even if is overwhelming, does not mean it can’t be influenced.
FALSE: People Who Commit Suicide Do Not Want To Be Helped.
Studies have shown that more than half of those who committed suicide were requested medical help during the six months preceding their death.
FALSE: When Someone Talks About Suicide May Give Others Ideas About This.
The truth is the opposite; to talk openly about suicide is one of the valuable things that can be done for a person who wants to commit suicide.
Help and Support
If you suspect or know someone who has suicidal thoughts, the best way for you to help is to be empathetic and provide some support. Show them that it is not alone and that you care about his feelings.
However, do not take responsibility for making them feel better. You can offer them support, but you can’t do more. Instead, the person with these problems must decide to engage in a rehabilitation program.
It is also important that the person who makes suicidal plans be convinced to seek professional help. Call for a free phone line where they can offer advice and recommendations; a discussion with mental health professionals could help solve the mental health condition.
Treatment and Follow Up
If your doctor prescribes medication, the relatives and friends must ensure that the person with suicidal thoughts follows the treatment options exactly.
Be aware of possible side effects and tell your doctor if the condition worsens the suicidal thoughts. It takes time and perseverance to find the right medication or therapy for a particular person.
Bottom Line
Encouraging positive lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, walk outdoors for at least 30 minutes a day are extremely important to release endorphins, relieve stress, and create a general feeling of wellness.
If you think you are going through a suicidal crisis or a stressful life event, talk to your health care provider. This can prevent those unwanted feelings and thoughts of suicide and self-harm. And remember, the suicidal crisis is treatable, and there are many resources available to help.
