How To Prevent Suicide
Depression is a mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Depression range from mild to severe. In some cases untreated depression can lead to more serious depression and even suicide. Suicide often occurs when the person has been in a depressed state for a long time and believes that there is no other way out.
It is possible to prevent suicide. In most cases there are warning signs that the person is contemplating to attempt suicide. The most effective way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs and take action to help the person in need.
Serious warning signs of suicide include:
· talking about killing themselves
· a preoccupation with death, always talking about death
· making comments that they feel they are in a hopeless situation, feel worthless or helpless
· Making statements such as “things would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I need to get out”
· Depression that worsens. It may be characterized by deep sadness, loss of interest and trouble eating or sleeping.
· Sudden mood changes between being extrememly sad to calm and happy
· Taking risks that could lead to death or having a death wish
· Losing interest in things the person used to care about
· Trying to put their affairs in order and making a will
· Saying goodbye or writing goodbye letters
You should be particularly concerned if the individual displays these warning signs and has already attempted suicide in the past. Between 20 and 50% of people who commit suicide have already attempted suicide on another occasion.
What you can do
If you fear for someone’s safety it is always best to act. Take someone’s suicide actions or words seriously. Listen to what the person is saying. Ask them what they are planning without being judgmental towards them. Instead, provide a safe place that they can discuss their feelings openly. Let the person know that you care and that you understand and are listening. Avoid statements such as “you have so much to live for” and “your kids/husband/parents need you”.
The best thing to do once you have determined that someone may be suicidal is to seek help. Encourage the person to get the help of a qualified mental health professional. They may not feel they can be helped so it is important to be insistant. Offer to take them to the apppointment.
If someone seems to be immediately in danger of commiting suicide do not leave them alone. Remove anything that they could try to use to harm themselves such as knives, drugs or anything that could be used as a weapon. Take the person to the closest emergency room. Support your friend throughout any treatment and encourage them to continue treatment as needed. This may include anitdepressant medications as well as continued therapy.
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