Can suicide be prevented?
We can’t deny the alarming increase in suicide in recent times and all the initiatives on how to prevent future occurrences. But then I will have to ask, have you really done anything to prevent suicide? Perhaps the first way to prevent something is to truly understand it and that is the aim of this blog post. So if you are reading this, your answer to the above question should be YES!
As humans, we have natural instincts to protect ourselves from harm, so once someone contemplates suicide there is a problem. Suicide gets a bit difficult to talk about after the deed has been done because you can never find out why they did it. At the end of the day, we end up trying to connect the dots of the last conversations or changes in behavior and then finally infer the cause of the suicide.
When people have suicidal thoughts it doesn’t mean they are just willing to die, it means they think that’s the only way out of their problem. When people have suicidal thoughts it blocks every other possible means of solving whatever thing they are going through, they develop serious self-doubt and that is why it gets more dangerous day after day, which also means that the earlier they get help, the better.
So, can suicide be prevented? YES!!! However, to deduce this, let us look at the leading causes of suicide in recent times.
Key Takeaways
- Suicide is preventable.
- Suicide is a major public health issue that can have long-term effects on people, families, and communities.
- Suicide prevention involves efforts at all levels of society.
Leading Causes of Suicide in Recent Times
The truth is humans love their life and for almost all cases of suicide, there is an underlying reason behind it. So many factors can make people take their lives or even think about doing so.
- Mental illness: Severe depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress. If these illnesses are prolonged they might lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Loss: Losing something very dear, like a loved one or a job, can lead to other complications if not handled well.
- Chronic pain: People who experience chronic pain might feel they can’t take it any longer and then lose every hope of ever getting better.
- Feeling like their life is a burden to others/ meaningless: Some people think their friends and family are better off without them. They believe that their entire life is a burden, so due to prolonged negative emotions, they might think they are doing their loved ones a favor by taking their own life.
No one in the right frame of mind takes his/her life, they need help!
Myths and Misconceptions About Suicide
”People that talk about their suicidal thoughts are simply seeking attention”
When people talk about their suicidal thoughts directly or indirectly, people often make a joke out of it and others think they are simply seeking attention. Just know that when someone talks about taking their life there are chances they will do it if there are no preventive measures. Anytime you hear someone talk in a suicide-suggesting manner please consider it a cry for help even if they don’t sound exactly that way.
”Asking someone if they are suicidal, makes them want to commit suicide”
This is a myth most people believe to be true but definitely isn’t. When you begin to suspect someone is contemplating suicide, asking them or talking about it won’t suddenly put the idea in their head rather it will help them talk about their problem and then put them at a better chance of getting help. Sometimes they just simply need someone to listen to them. Talking about suicide can help save a life.‘
‘Someone who wants to commit suicide can’t be stopped”
People commit suicide not because they want to die but because they believe that’s the only way out. Trust me if they find a reason to hold on they will. And because the suicidal thoughts have blurred or cleared whatever reason they might have to live, they need professional help to find all those reasons again. You can help save a life!
”Someone who commits suicide is crazy, selfish and a coward”
Labeling them with all these will only make the situation worse. This is because people with suicidal thoughts might never be willing to get help to avoid being labeled the same. The truth is that most people who have suicidal thoughts find a way of justifying it. Maybe by reading and writing dark poems or watching some suicidal documentary. So their brain is kind of rewired they might not even be able to make rational decisions.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Most percentages of suicides have warning signs but most times they are realized after the person is dead. Some of them might hide behind smiles but when you look closely you will notice some signs.
- Unusual withdrawal from everything.
- Talking about how they are a burden to others.
- Writing dark poems or reading more about death.
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Living recklessly or engaging in self-destructive behavior
- Always feel hopeless.
Can Suicide Be Prevented? (Suicide Prevention)
Suicide is preventable if we take the right measures and have accurate information. So if you have any friends, family, or neighbors that have been showing some warning signs, these are things you can actually do to help reduce the chances.
‘’Dont’s’’ Around a Suicidal Person
- Don’t make a joke when someone tells you about how depressed or hopeless they are, don’t assume they are joking
- Don’t act surprised or judge them with your non-verbal expressions
- Don’t go about telling people about their suicidal thoughts
- Don’t undermine their reason for having suicidal thoughts
- Don’t blame yourself if things go wrongly
What you should rather do:
- Listen and care
- Call the suicide hotline for help (the numbers at the end of this blog post)
- Follow up on treatment
- Remove everything that can lead to potential suicide
- Be positive
Personally, I believe that discussing problems early enough or getting help early enough can drastically reduce the chances of being suicidal.
Suicide Risk Factors
The following factors can increase one’s chances of being suicidal.
- Family History of suicide
- Previous suicide attempt
- Addiction (especially drugs)
- Loneliness
- Mental Disorder
- Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain
- Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others
- Social isolation
- Historical trauma
- Stigma associated with seeking help
If you have ever had suicidal thoughts, this is for you…
Dear, you might not understand exactly how you feel, but I know you are tired of everything, things don’t seem to be getting better so you would rather leave than live, it seems to be the only option now. If you are reading this today I want you to know that you are here for a reason. Your life is more important than everything and nothing is worth losing it over. I don’t know exactly what you are going through but your future is worth fighting for because as long as we live, tomorrow will forever be a mystery.
My name is Chika, and all I ask of you today is that you hang on with me for a while. No matter how messed up you think your life is it can’t be more messed up than letting the world lose a rare gem like you. Save the world by getting the help you need, yes because the world definitely needs you, We need you! Love, Chika.
A Word From Psychmoments
We will always say this; there is no other way to change the world than taking little meaningful steps, it creates a greater impact. This month is suicide prevention awareness month take a conscious step to save a life. Pay close attention to your family and friends and try to share helpful content on suicide prevention like this one. And remember blame only makes situations worse don’t blame anyone for a suicide.
Anyone who ideats suicide needs help, so no matter how much they beg you to keep it a secret, you can’t. You need to help them get help. Very importantly, do not judge or blame them for whatever they tell you, let your focus be on getting help to them as fast as possible. You can involve family or friends as the case may be. Link them up to professionals. In emergency situations please dial 911 or the suicide hotline provided below.
Suicide hotlines: 08058820777, 09080217555, 07013811143,1-800-273-8255
Visit the website for more options momentswithchika.com
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Drop a word of encouragement to someone with a suicidal thought in the comments 💞
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