Suicide is one of the major problems today’s world is facing. Suicide is a complex public health issue that requires coordination and cooperation among health care providers, individuals and family members and treatment services and the community.
Understanding Suicide:
WHO estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide.
Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can’t see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just can’t see one.
Risk factors:
These are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of:
1. Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
2. Alcohol and other substance use disorders
3. Hopelessness
4. Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
5. History of trauma or abuse
6. Major physical illnesses
7. Previous suicide attempt(s)
8. Family history of suicide
9. Job or financial loss
10.Loss of relationship(s)
11. Easy access to lethal means
12. Local clusters of suicide
13. Lack of social support and sense of isolation
14. Stigma associated with asking for help
15. Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
16. Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
Warning signs of Suicide:
Major warning signs for suicide include talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs. These signals are even more dangerous if the person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder, suffers from alcohol dependence, has previously attempted suicide, or has a family history of suicide.
A more subtle but equally dangerous warning sign of suicide is hopelessness. Studies have found that hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicide. People who feel hopeless may talk about “unbearable” feelings, predict a bleak future and state that they have nothing to look forward to.
Other warning signs that point to a suicidal mind frame include dramatic mood swings or sudden personality changes, such as switching from outgoing to withdrawn or well-behaved to rebellious. A suicidal person may also lose interest in day-to-day activities, neglect his or her appearance, and show big changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, there’s plenty you can do to help save a life.
1. Have Meaningful Social Connections
Social connections help us live longer, stronger, happier lives. Although some say more is better, the number of connections we have isn’t as important as how connected we feel. Strive to make or maintain quality, meaningful relationships.
2. Identify Whether You or Someone Else Has Specific Mental Health Needs
Detecting the often hidden symptoms of mental illness early and finding the right treatment options for substance misuse or mental illness can help most people return to living mentally well.
3. Reducing Access to Lethal Means of Suicide
Means refers to the method a person attempting suicide uses to injure or kill themselves. Studies have shown that restricting or eliminating access to lethal methods can be an effective component of preventing suicide.
4. Seek Help for Yourself or Someone Else
If you’re worried about your, or someone else’s, suicidal thoughts or feelings, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many support options available for dealing with suicidal thoughts or feelings.
Suicide is preventable. If all of us work together, we can increase the public’s awareness of this public health issue and get people the support they need.
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), let’s put together these powerful suicide prevention quotes to offer hope to anyone in need.
1. “Soak up the views. Take in the bad weather and the good weather. You are not the storm.” Matt Haig
2. Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better.
3. “Never, never, never give up.” Winston Churchill
4. “The person who completes suicide, dies once. Those left behind die a thousand deaths, trying to relive those terrible moments and understand… why?” – Clark
5. “If you want to show me that you really love me, don’t say that you would die for me, instead stay alive for me.”
6. “Place your hand over your heart, can you feel it? That is called purpose. You’re alive for a reason so don’t ever give up.”
7. “When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you held on for so long.”
