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Writer's pictureBrigitte Adofo Agyapong

Save with love : How to help someone with suicidal thoughts and feelings

Updated: Jul 18, 2024


Suicide awareness
More than 700 000 people die by suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. There are indications that for each adult who died by suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide.
Suicide is a global phenomenon; in fact, 77% of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2019. Suicide accounted for 1.3% of all deaths worldwide, making it the 17th leading cause of death in 2019.
- World Health Organisation

World Suicide Prevention day

Suicide death has become more common these days due to many factors. Most people around victims of suicide and suicidal thoughts overlook this. These individuals suffer from personal or business problems, leading them to take drastic actions without considering the possible effects on themselves. People near them often neglect them, leaving them to fight on their own.


I often classify victims of suicide or suicidal thoughts as soft people rather than weak people. People often ask, “Why would this lady commit suicide? What is wrong with her?” and conclude that all of them are weak persons. But I usually say people experiencing negative affectivity are not weak or negative but are soft people who can’t handle certain situations or events because of repeated actions they experience. Everyone has their own capacity to handle life situations.


``she will figure it out of that thought by herself``.

At the end, regret when finally the lady or gentleman is found in a pool of blood with knife stab in the belly unconsciously or hanged on a circular rope dead. Had I known if this incident could have happen I would have prevented it.

I am here to tell you, you do not need to wait for this to happen. You can make change. Let discover more.


Why do people engage in Suicide?

People engage in suicidal thoughts due to the following reasons:-

  1. Facing difficult life events such as trauma, emotional pain, childhood abuse, sexual abuse.

  2. Upsetting events in relationships such as betrayal, broken heart.

  3. Anger at other people.

  4. Misuse of substance/drug abuse.

  5. Depression.

  6. Anxiety.

  7. Personality disorders.

  8. Change from physical health conditions to worst conditions like disability.

  9. Problems with money or work.


Do you know someone showing suicidal thought?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Maybe


Why people usually have thought to end their life?


As I said, most of the people who have suicidal thoughts have a final notion to escape the realities of life, want the easy way out, and can’t stand the pressures of this life due to the comparison game they play in their life and other factors.

They see their colleagues, friends, and family members experience good stuff in life. So they compare and blame themselves for the bad experiences and worry about changing for the good. When there is no improvement, they think of possible thoughts such as:

  • I am a burden to loved ones

  • No one loves me

  • I am bad luck to my friends and family

  • What is the point in living?

  • Every death is death. Can’t live any longer.

  • I think things will never work for me.

  • No one needs me

  • and many more.


Triggers to Notice when someone showcase suicidal thoughts


If you don't want them to die before your regrettable say ``had I know`` then pay attention to these triggers.

  • When they become more irritating

  • When they become anxious

  • Experience mood swings

  • More confronting

  • Become quiet

  • Sleep too much or too less

  • Avoid contact with friends and family

  • Say negative things about themselves

  • Avoid contact with other people

  • Always have problems relating to work, relationships, and studies

Though people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health-related disorders might show similar signs just notice these signs.


In serious cases, watch out for these signs

  • Always speak about things relating to death or dying. Every little conversation they will get they have to speak about death

  • Threatening to hurt themselves

  • Putting things in order like arranging for a will or showing signs that they are giving a farewell note to you.



Why do you have to support them?


Suicidal support

Regret

Regret is just a small word with a six-letter combination but deep in meaning and impact. When you refuse to focus and neglect the need to care for someone, I mean close relatives or loved ones, the love they need during times like this and they commit suicide, you gain the experience of blaming yourself for their death. This will cause a long, hurtful feeling and pain in your whole life, which might take years to heal because you neglected their attention, leading to a deep pain of memories.




More future ahead of them

You need to care for and support them in order to nurture their dreams. Everyone has dreams to achieve. If they commit suicide, they scatter their dreams to help themselves, their family, and society. A brighter future is stopped on the way due to the presence of suicide. So either you help them now or regret it when they are gone.


Stigmatization

Society can even call names and blame you for the death of your loved ones more especially death relating to suicide. The only way they can use to describe you is `` the lady whose friend committed suicide, the family whose child committed suicide, so, it is time to care for them. In some societies, it is taboo to experience that and therefore will discriminate against you in certain activities in society. Support them and let them know that you care for them.



Conclusion


Be an agent of change to reduce the chances of death in our country, community, and neighborhood regarding suicide.


Like, comment, and share to spread the message of Suicidal Thought Prevention.





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