According to WHO statistics, one person commits suicide every
40 seconds. Suicide rates all over the world have increase by 5- 62% in the
last two decades. Hardly any country is immune to this disease. What’s
disturbing is that more young people are killing themselves than ever before.
Vulnerability -
- Genetics and family history.
- Life history - For example having a traumatic experience during childhood, such as bereavement.
- Mental health - For example developing a serious mental health condition, such as schizophrenia. Repeated expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, or desperation.
- Lifestyle - People who misuse alcohol and drugs are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- Job - Poor job security, low levels of job satisfaction or not having a job can increase a person’s risk of dying by suicide.
- Relationships - People who are socially isolated and have few close relationships with others have a higher risk of dying by suicide.
Be aware -
- Repeated expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, or desperation.
- Behavior that is out of character, such as recklessness in someone who is normally careful.
- Signs of depression – sleeplessness, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, loss of interest in usual activities.
- A sudden and unexpected change to a cheerful attitude.
- Giving away prized possessions to friends and family.
- Making a will, taking out insurance, or other preparations for death, such as telling final wishes to someone close, making remarks related to death and dying, or an expressed intent to commit suicide. An expressed intent to commit suicide should always be taken very seriously.
If you are concerned
that someone may be suicidal, take action. If possible, talk with the person
directly. The single-most important thing you can do is listening attentively
without judgment.
Talking about suicide
can only decrease the likelihood that someone will act on suicidal feelings.
There is almost no risk that raising the topic with someone who is not considering
suicide will prompt him/her to do it.
Find a safe place to
talk with the person, and allow as much time as necessary. Assure him/her of
your concern and your respect for his/her privacy. Ask the person about recent
events, and encourage him/her to express his/her feelings freely. Do not
minimize the feelings involved.
Please be concerned …..
because I am damn sure that nobody wants to lose their loving ones.
