Suicide prevention: Creating hope through actions
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
Comments
Post a Comment