YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Today is September, 10 and it is Suicide Prevention day. I have already written on this subject for the April blogging. Today I want to write again for this day.  I believe that each of us can make a difference in the lives of those who are losing and lost hope. I am reposting this post as Suicide is the preventable form of death. You will be surprised to know the following: 

SOME STARTLING EYE OPENERS

• Every 40 seconds a person commits suicide in the world.
• Every 3 seconds a person attempts to die.
• Suicide is one of the top three causes of death among the young in the age group of 15 – 35 years.
• Each suicide has a serious impact on at least 6 other people.
• The psychological, social and financial impact of suicide on the family and the society is immeasurable..

CAUSES OF SUICIDE

Suicide is a complex problem for which there is no one explanation. There is no single reason why a person commits suicide. Suicide results due to a complex interaction of biological, genetic, psychological, social, cultural and environmental factors. No single factor has gained acceptance as a universal cause of suicide.

Images from Google search

It is also difficult to explain why certain people take this decision while others in a similar, or even worse situation do not. However, most suicides can be prevented. Suicide is now a major public health issue in all countries. Empowering primary health care personnel in identifying, assessing, managing, and referring the suicidal persons in the community is a very important step in Suicide Prevention.

  Some Myths & Facts on Suicide

Myth 1: People who talk about it don’t commit suicide

Fact: Most people who kill themselves have given definite warnings of their intentions

Myth 2: Suicidal people are absolutely intent upon dying.

Fact: Most suicidal people are ambivalent about living or dying; they gamble with death, but may retain some desire to live.

Myth3: Suicide happens without warning

Fact: Suicidal people often give indications of their thoughts (sometimes before the thoughts have become intentions) by words or actions.

Myth 4: Once a person becomes suicidal he remains suicidal forever.

Fact: Suicidal thoughts may return, but they are not permanent, and in some people they may never return.

Myth 5: After a crisis, improvement means that the suicide risk is over

Fact: Many suicides occur in a period of improvement, when the person has the energy and will to turn despairing thoughts into self-destructive action

Myth6: Suicide occurs mainly in the poor/rich.

Fact: Suicide occurs in all groups of society.

Myth 7: Suicide behaviour is a sign of mental illness.

Fact: Suicidal behaviour indicates deep unhappiness but not necessarily mental illness.

Myth8: You are either the suicidal type or you are not and that is it.

Fact: It could happen to anybody.

Suicide Prevention is EVERYONE’S Responsibility

Suicide ALWAYS has warning Signs:

      Verbal warnings                : The person talks about death/wanting to die/dying

      Behavioral warnings         : The person behaves differently than they normally do

      Situational warnings         : Some life situation is causing them extreme stress/worry

Do you know someone who has?

      Behaved in a different way lately/Is more emotional

      Has stopped talking or started spending a lot of time alone?

      Started drinking more or using drugs to deal with feelings?

      Talked about killing himself or herself, or someone

      Had something bad happen to them recently

How can you help them?

Use AAA method

Ask: Are you thinking about suicide?

Appeal: Persuade them to stay alive by offering support and listening to them.

Assist: Refer them to Professionals who can help or assist them in getting the help they need

Images from Google search

Suicide Prevention is EVERYONE’S responsibility.

      If you are in distress or know someone who is, use the AAA method of reaching out to a person.

      No one expects you to have all the answers-you only need to connect them to people who do.

      Assist the person by referring them to SAHAYAM-OU Psychological Counseling Center at 040-27682451  (If you are in Hyderabad)

      If it is an immediate threat contact Sahayam at (040) 27682451 or 90002-34262 or 8978191578 or 9014238697  immediately

      You can also contact Makro Foundation;040-46004600

      After hours or on weekends contact the Institute of Mental Health at:  (040) 23814442 or (040) 23813252

Come! Let us make a difference!!