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 last conversations or changes in behaviour 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.
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 life 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 anything 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 that 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 favour 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 measure. 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 puts 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 and 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”
Labelling 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 labelled 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 realised 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 behaviour
- Always feeling hopeless.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is preventable if we take right measures and have accurate information. So if you have any friend, family, or neighbour that has 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 blogpost)
- 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
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 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 blames only makes situations worse don’t blame anyone for a suicide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide
Is it possible to predict suicide?
There might not be standard measures for predicting suicide but there are risk factors that can predispose one to suicide. Some of those risk factors are genetic components, mental illness, substance abuse, family history of suicide, PTSD, and previous suicide attempts.
Can the risk for suicide be inherited?
It might not right to say that a suicide behaviour was inherited. However, the risk factors that predispose people to suicide can be very much inherited. So when one has those risk factors they might want to take preventive measures. For instance, staying out of alcohol because of family history. Please note that a family history of risk factors does not mean they are suicidal.
Why do people attempt suicide when they appear to feel better?
Some extremely depressed persons have mastered hiding their depression over time. In cases where they are highly extroverted, they try to keep the same energy when they are in public. Some research shows that people who are highly distressed from depression find some sort of resolution when they think of ending it all, which might explain why some seem calmer before the attempt.
Is suicide related to impulsiveness?
Some mental illnesses that might predispose people to suicide are characterised by impulsiveness. It is not out of place to say that when someone gets to the point of suicide ideation their distress has gotten them to a point where critical decision-making might not come very easy and that is where impulsiveness comes in.
Do people ‘threaten’ suicide to get attention?
Getting to a point where someone decides to end their life is not a usual response to day-to-day stressful events. If someone should open up about suicide ideation, it should be taken very seriously irrespective of what the situation might look like. Let a professional do the actual evaluation.
What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about 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 you can. You can involve family and friends as the case may be. Link them up to professionals. In emergency situations please dial 911 or the suicide hotlines 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 💞