Why Do People Attempt Suicide?

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing ones own death

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY is a day to provide worldwide commitment & actions to prevent suicide with various activities around the world

Every year,more than 703,000 people die by suicide according to W.H.O

By sharing our mental health stories as individuals,raising awareness and taking actionable steps in our local communities,we can all help prevent suicide

A suicidal person is in so much pain that they see no other option ,a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SUICIDE

People who talk about suicide won’t really do it Not true,people that have suicidal thoughts always show their first signs by talking or writing about it (E.g there’s no way out,you will be sorry when am gone ) even as a joke ,this shouldn’t be taken lightly as it can be a warning or sign )

Anyone that tries to kill themselves must be crazy Another misconception ,anyone feeling suicidal are usually just very sad burdened with a lot of emotional pain and not necessarily having anything to do with mental illness

WARNING SIGNS OF A SUICIDAL INDIVIDUAL

1. Talking about killing or harming oneself
2. Writing /keeping diaries about death or dying
3. A frequently depressed person or one having bipolar disorder
4. Alcohol dependence
5. Family history of suicide or having attempted suicide before
6. A person feeling hopeless and not looking forward to anything
7. Withdrawn from others ,losing interest in daily activities
8. Neglecting appearance ,change in eating and sleeping habits
9. Calling friends and family members to say goodbye

HOW TO HELP A SUICIDAL PERSON/SUICIDE PREVENTION TIPS

1. Get professional help.
Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor’s appointment.

2. Be proactive.
offer assistance. Check on them as often as you can and truly care for them

3. Remove potential means of suicide, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If the person is likely to take an overdose, keep medications locked away or give them out only as the person needs them.

4. Continue your support over the long haul. Even after the immediate suicidal crisis has passed, stay in touch with the person, periodically checking in or dropping by. Your support is vital to ensure your friend or loved one remains on the recovery track.

Dr Adetutu Jokomba