The second leading cause of death is suicide and it is the serious cause. Over 45,000 persons in the United States committed suicide in 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1.4 million adults make suicide attempts each year (CDC). More than one in five suicide victims had previously stated a desire to take their own lives. Men commit suicide at a rate that is more than three times higher than that of women. The most popular way to commit suicide is with a firearm (used in about half of all suicides). However, suicide can be avoided. Suicide can be avoided by being aware of the risk factors and the warning symptoms. You may consult with an best Clinical Psychologist to learn more best suicide prevention strategies.
Risk factors for suicide
Certain occurrences and conditions could raise the risk. They are:
- Attempted suicide before (s)
- Suicide in the family’s past
- Abuse of substances
- Mood disorders
- Available deadly weapons
- Loss and other occurrences
- Abuse or trauma history
- Serious chronic conditions, such as pain,
- Awareness to other people’s suicidal conduct
According to the CDC, 54% of suicide deaths were caused by people who had no documented mental health conditions. Many of them, meanwhile, might have been coping with mental health issues that were undiagnosed or unknown to others around them.
Some warning signs and symptoms of suicide
- Talking or writing about death, suicide, or dying a lot Expressing feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Expressions or words which express as if the person feels like why he exists or why he is here in this world etc are examples of people who feel they have no reason to live.
- There is an increased use of alcohol or there could be substance abuse as well
- Withdrawal from the community, family, and friends
- Irresponsible actions or engaging in riskier activities without apparent consideration
- Dramatic shifts in mood
- Expressing feelings of being entrapped or a burden to others
Prevention strategies
- If you’re worried, express it.
You might question whether it’s a good idea to speak out if you notice the suicide warning signals in a loved one. What if you are mistaken? What if the individual becomes irate? Being uneasy or anxious in such circumstances is normal. However, anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits other red flags requires immediate assistance; the earlier, the greater.
- In a crisis, act promptly
Consider the immediate danger the individual is in if a friend or family member confides in you that they are contemplating suicide or death. The highest risk group for suicide has a clear suicide PLAN, the means to carry it out, a time frame set for accomplishing it, and the desire to do it.
- Offer assistance and backing
The greatest method to assist a friend or family member who is contemplating suicide is to provide them your sympathetic ear. Let your loved one know that you care and that they are not alone. But don’t assume that your loved one will recover on your own. Although you can provide support, you cannot cure a suicidal individual. They must personally commit to getting better.
Helping a suicidal person
- Get qualified assistance.
Make every effort to get a suicidal individual the assistance they require. To get suggestions and advice, dial a crisis hotline. Encourage the individual to seek therapy, assist in finding a facility, or accompany them to a medical appointment.
- Aftercare for the therapy.
Make sure your friend or loved one takes any prescription medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Know the potential side effects and let the doctor know if the patient seems to be getting worse. Finding the drug or therapy that is best for a particular patient frequently requires patience and persistence.
- Take initiative.
Since those who are thinking about suicide frequently don’t think they can be helped, you might need to be more proactive in your attempts to help them. It’s not specific enough to say, “Call me if you need anything.” Don’t wait for them to call you or even pick up the phone when you call them. Visit, make a follow-up call, and extend the invitation.
- Promote healthy lifestyle modifications
Nutritious eating, lots of sleep, and spending at least 30 minutes each day outside in the sun or in nature. Exercise is also vitally important since it boosts emotional wellbeing, releases endorphins, and reduces stress.
- Plan your safety.
Assist the person in creating a list of actions they commit to take in the event of a suicide crisis. It should pinpoint any factors—such as the anniversary of a loss, alcohol, or relationship stress—that could set off a suicidal crisis. Include the person’s doctors and therapist’s phone numbers as well as those of friends and relatives who can help in an emergency. Feel free to take help from an Best Clinical Psychologist near me at TalktoAngel.
