Ups and Downs are a part of life, but sometimes the pain may feel overwhelming and non-ending. In such situations, ending one’s life seems the last resort. But if we, as individuals and communities, come together, talk about it openly, and keep an eye out on each other, listen to the person patiently can prevent anyone going through such a state of mind.
Warning signs to know someone might attempt suicide
There is no single reason why a person can think about suicide. It is not discriminated against by age, race, gender, or socio economic status. Variety of reasons could be the cause like stress, financial constraints, mental health, relationship issues, etc. Few of the common signs include:
Social withdrawal or isolation
Talking about feeling empty, hopeless or fear of becoming a burden
Talking about wanting to die
Prior suicide attempts
High risk behaviours
How to approach and handle someone who is suicidal?
Probe about suicidal thoughts in person with distress, you should initiate a neutral, non-judgmental, and non-conclusive conversation with them. Make sure you
Speak in a calming and reassuring tone
Do not appear confronting or accusing them
Assure them help is available and you are going to be there for complete support
Do not shame them or make them pity themselves
Do not leave them alone and offer and accompany getting them professional help
It’s distressing to see someone you care about thinking of ending their life. But it’s important to be there with them, as it might be the thing they need the most. What to do if someone is at immediate risk of committing suicide?
Some warning signs may also indicate that the person has already made his/her mind to end his/her life. They may show some behaviors such as giving away their possessions, bidding goodbyes to closed ones, becoming erratically calm or silent, planning the mode of suicides such as weapons or medications. In such cases, make sure you
Call a helpline number and notify an emergency case
Do not leave the person until professional help has arrived
Remove ropes, blades, knives, medications or any such source of harm
Listen to them but do not reason, shout, argue, or cry
World Suicide Prevention Day 2020
One person every 40 seconds commits suicide i.e. about 800,000 people every year worldwide. To raise awareness and prevent suicide, every year the 10th September is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). It is a reminder that the society needs support and advocacy for mental health resources in order to help people with mental health disorders find the help they need.
While you stay attentive to warning signs around you, make sure you take good care of your mental care as well. Remember it is nothing to be ashamed of, and by no means should be kept to yourself. Find a person you trust and confide your worries in them, seek professional help, identify triggers that urge you to act on your thoughts and try to confront and get rid of them.
This isn’t how your (or anyone’s) life should end.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your own doctor to know what is good for you.
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