How to Recognize Warnings and Prevent Suicide
Suicide touches all of our lives at some point. Whether you are considering harming yourself, know someone who is, or know someone who did, it’s a far-flung issue, and some statistics indicate it affects every segment of the population. Know the warning signs and how to respond, so you can get help for yourself or someone else.
A gender disparity
Some research indicates men are more likely than women to commit suicide. However, you should never assume that women are not at risk. As The Guardian explains, women are more apt to attempt suicide and not succeed, due to the less violent means they commonly choose. Young adults are at particularly high risk, as it is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 through 24. The one constant for all those who consider suicide is a prevalence of depression, as it’s virtually always a precursor to suicide.
Options for treating depression
There are ample professional resources for treating depression. Doctors are often a good place to start, as a general practitioner can review your symptoms and rule out an underlying physical cause. From there, your GP might prescribe medications or recommend seeing a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
In addition to connecting with a professional, there are self-help steps one can take to help lift depression. For instance, Medical News Today notes CBD oil has several qualities which can potentially help someone struggling with depression. It can also reduce social anxiety, improve sleep quality, reduce pain and inflammation, and help with a variety of other symptoms and conditions. If you’re concerned about trying CBD, one idea is to try edibles like gummies, since they come in a variety of flavors and types to make for a more palatable, easy test drive.
Other simple, natural, self-help methods for lifting depression include things like meditation, exercise, and light therapy. Although natural therapies tend to be safe, any time you’re trying a new treatment, it’s best to check with your doctor first.
Be alert to the warning signs
It’s crucial to learn the warning signs of suicide so you can take steps to get help for someone. Threatening to or fantasizing about suicide is an indicator you should get help immediately; call 911 or take the suicidal person to the hospital.
Other warning signs are:
- Social withdrawal
- Rages and senseless anger
- Mood swings
- Loss of appetite or bouts of binge eating
- Increased alcohol use or illegal drug use
- Oversleeping or staying up all night
If you observe warning signs in someone, ask her if she is considering suicide. Contrary to common belief, you cannot put the idea of suicide in the head of someone who is not considering it, and a direct conversation can open the journey to healing.
Someone who has attempted suicide or admitted to planning one should not be left alone. Her family should supervise her until there is a definite improvement in her mindset. If her family is missing or unable to take on the responsibility, a rehabilitation clinic or halfway house should step in.
The influence of drug addiction
There is a strong correlation between drug addiction and suicide. Some statistics indicate drug addicts and alcoholics are six times more likely to commit suicide than the overall population. Oftentimes people are using in an effort to self-medicate an undiagnosed mental health issue. Both issues, the addiction and underlying problem, must be properly addressed in order for healing to occur.
Suicide is a serious problem, and it touches every segment of the population. Prevention is possible through careful observation of warning signs and immediate, appropriate action. Many treatments and interventions are available to people who are depressed and promote mental wellness.
- Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
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