Suicide prevention: Creating hope through actions

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Suicide is one of the most complicated psychosocial problems of humankind. According to WHO, over 800,000 people die from suicide every year globally. There are various reasons for suicide, which can be broadly categorized into biological, psychological, and social causes. Biological causes being genetics (yes!! You heard it right. Suicide sometimes runs in family), structural and functional abnormalities in the brain. Psychological reasons being the psychological makeup of a person making him vulnerable for suicide like high expectation from oneself, low sensitivity for rejection and failure, impulsive nature, etc. Social causes are a wide range of issues from academic difficulties to love failure to complicated social problems.

There is a close link between suicide and mental illness. Most of the suicide is related to psychological problems like depression and addiction. Mental health is as important as physical health so it is very important that we take care and speak about it without any hesitation.

This year's suicide prevention day is celebrated on 10th September, and the theme is "Creating hope through actions". How one can create hope through actions? Let's find out:

The person with suicidality goes through a tough phase having constant thoughts of suicide, sadness, loss of interest, worthlessness, emptiness, and hopelessness. In such a case, here are some actions that can be a helping hand to the person.

1.  Firstly, being there for him is absolutely necessary. Be there for him either physically or over the phone.

2.  Never ever take it lightly when someone shares his thoughts of killing oneself.

3.  Actively listen to what the person is experiencing. This can give a sense of care and support.

4.  Find out solutions for his problems if possible.

5.  Choose the words wisely while talking with the person and be nonjudgmental.

6.  When a person is struggling to reach out for help, have a conversation and encourage them to speak about the problem

7.  A person with suicidal thoughts should not be left alone, someone has to be there with them whom they trust.

8.  Taking the person to mental health professional whenever necessary.

When to seek professional help?

1.  Get help immediately when the thought of suicide at frequent and constant

2.  If the person has attempted suicide before.

3.  If the person is planning of attempting another suicide

4.  If a person does not show any remorse over the suicidal attempt.

Taking professional help will assist in identifying the root cause of the problem and provide coping strategies to handle and overcome the problem in a positive way.

Dr.Bheemsain Tekkalaki

Consultant Psychiatrist

Ms. Aishwarya Patil

Counseling Psychologist

Sumana Psychiatry Center Belagavi

 

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