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5 Signs your loved one is Suicidal | Suicide Prevention
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We’ve all heard the saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true with suicide. Once a person is suicidal the problem has developed too much. There is a better way to identify for suicide prevention. The key here is an early diagnosis before the problem is life-threatening.
Suicide Statistics you need to know today
Almost 1 million people around the world commit suicide every year. Another 10 -20 million attempt suicide. A staggering number, isn’t it? Men are twice as likely to commit suicide as women.
At any rate, these figures speak for itself:
- Suicide rates have risen by 60% worldwide.
- Suicide is the 3rd most leading cause of death among the youths aged between 15- 24.
- Now, Suicide attempts are 20 times more frequent than completed suicides. While girls tend to make more attempts, boys succeed more often.
- 90% of suicides are committed by people with clinical depression.
As parents, caregivers, and guide, we need to be more aware of the threat suicide is to our adolescent population. Suicide is a problem that requires our vigilance and attention.
Experts are one in saying that they can only do so much – if a would-be suicide seeks medical help – which a lot of people are not willing to do. This raises the need for family, friends and other social contacts to help to address this alarming and growing problem.
The problem is that people often go through periods of moodiness and anxiety; there is a tendency on our parts to dismiss warning signs as “just puberty.” Emotional disturbance or depression can be a catalyst for suicide. Some of the other signs are given below.
Five Suicide Signs to see in your loved one, Here they are
- Screening for depression and other mental illnesses – There are a number of pre-emptive screens available to identify depression in your loved one. In a recent case study, 90 percent of suicidal teens showed characteristics of depression for many years before becoming suicidal. Seeking treatment for depression is much easier today as it was in the past. It is also gaining acceptance as a serious mental illness. In addition to depression, there are other mental illnesses that have a higher likelihood of suicide. Work with a qualified therapist or counselor to discuss your loved one’s risk and mental illness.
- Drinking while feeling down. Alcohol is a depressant. It reduces oxygen to the brain and brings the whole body into a relaxed intoxicated state. As a drug alcohol’s function is to be a downer. When coupled with depression the results can be devastating. Depression and drinking feed off one another and the problems get worse and worse. Talking openly with your loved one about issues and behaviors can give you the information you need to seek help. If you have a suspicion that the person is drinking while down (depressed) seek help immediately. Youth that participates in this behavior is in an extremely high-risk group.
- Social Withdrawal. If a person starts to spend more time alone as opposed to social activities with longtime friends it may be a warning sign. Many people who attempt suicide try to isolate themselves before making that attempt. If your loved one starts to break ties and longtime friendships without seeking new ones try talking with them about what is going on in their life. Sometimes there are good reasons for the change and other times there are not. As a family member, you can make the call on whether the change is reasonable or not.
- Suffering from a major loss. A happy person can quickly change when catastrophe strikes. Everyone reacts to adversity differently. The death of a loved one who is close to your child, a divorce, and being rejected can all trigger suicide in some people. Talking about suicide and the feelings of everyone involved can provide valuable information to you as a caregiver. When you talk with to them try to be reassuring that they can trust you. If they express dark or disturbing thought let them know that you appreciate them sharing these things with you. Grief counseling might be a good idea early on if you know they are struggling with depression or has exhibited any other warning signs in the past.
- Sudden change in behavior. Watch for signs of dramatic change in them. While this might be a warning sign of imminent suicide it might present itself early enough to provide great help to family persons. Other warning signs might include a change from being careful to being reckless. Car accidents with kids with perfect driving records and other events might provide clues into their intentions.
These 5 definite signs are indications that a suicide plan is in place and that immediate intervention is needed.
Learn how to stop someone from suiciding with suicide prevention strategies
The best antidote to suicidal behavior is providing the loved one with the sense that no matter how terrible one’s situation may be, there is a way out and there is support. We must ensure that communication remains strong and committed. They must know that there are people who care, who will not judge them for what they have done and will be there to help them pick up the pieces. Family and friends are in the best position to spot these signs. They should support and encourage the individual to seek a professional help from psychiatrists, therapists, counselor or even the family doctor.
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If you suspect suicide, talk about it. There is virtually no risk in bringing up the subject if done carefully and with respect. If your friends, loved ones or family members exhibit the above suicide signs, try to persuade them to seek depression help, go on antidepressants or treatment for suicidal thoughts. Contact Cadabam’s or Call now at 9611194949 to get expert support and advice for suicide prevention.
