10/09/2020
WORLD SU***DE PREVENTION DAY :
SU***DE -
Su***des and su***de attempts have a ripple effect that impacts on families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies.
Su***des are preventable. Much can be done to prevent su***de at individual, community and national levels.
KEY FACTS -
Close to 800 000 people die due to su***de every year.
For every su***de there are many more people who attempt su***de every year. A prior su***de attempt is the single most important risk factor for su***de in the general population.
Su***de is the third leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds.
79% of global su***des occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and fi****ms are among the most common methods of su***de globally.
SU***DE PREVENTION -
Su***de prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering su***de, there’s plenty you can do to help save a life.
Myth: People who talk about su***de won’t really do it.
Fact: Almost everyone who attempts su***de has given some clue or warning. Don’t ignore even indirect references to death or su***de. Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I’m gone,” “I can’t see any way out,”—no matter how casually or jokingly said—may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
Myth: Anyone who tries to kill themselves must be crazy.
Fact: Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They are upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
Myth: If someone is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them.
Fact:Even a very severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, fluctuating between wanting to live and wanting to die. Rather than wanting death, they just want the pain to stop—and the impulse to end their life does not last forever.
Myth: People who die by su***de are people who were unwilling to seek help.
Fact: Many people try to get help before attempting su***de.In fact, studies indicate that more than 50 percent of su***de victims had sought medical help in the six months prior to their deaths.
Myth: Talking about su***de may give someone the idea.
Fact: You don’t give someone suicidal ideas by talking about su***de. Rather, the opposite is true. Talking openly and honestly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can help save a life.
Risk Factors, Warning Signs and Protective Factors -
Su***de is linked to mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, and the strongest risk factor for su***de is a previous su***de attempt.
Risk and protective factors and warning signs:
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt or die by su***de.
Warning signs indicate an immediate risk of su***de.
Protective factors are characteristics that make it less likely that individuals will consider, attempt or die by su***de.
Risk Factors for Su***de -
Previous su***de attempt(s).
A history of su***de in the family
Substance misuse.
Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder).
Access to lethal means (e.g., keeping fi****ms in the home).
Losses and other events (for example, the breakup of a relationship or a death, academic failures, legal difficulties, financial difficulties, bullying).
History of trauma or abuse.
Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain.
Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others.
Warning Signs of Su***de -
Often talking or writing about death, dying or su***de.
Making comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless.
Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out."
Increased alcohol and/or drug misuse
Withdrawal from friends, family and community.
Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
Dramatic mood changes.
Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others.
Protective Factors -
Contacts with providers (e.g., follow-up phone call from health care professional).
Effective mental health care; easy access to a variety of clinical interventions.
Strong connections to individuals, family, community and social institutions.
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
What You Can Do?
If someone indicates they are considering su***de, listen and take their concerns seriously. Don't be afraid to ask questions about their plans. Let them know you care, and they are not alone. Encourage them to seek help immediately from a knowledgeable professional. Don't leave them alone.
Tips for what you can do if you're concerned about a friend or loved one:
Ask someone you are worried about if they're thinking about su***de. (While people may be hesitant to ask, research shows this is helpful.)
Keep them safe.
Reduce access to lethal means for those at risk.
Be there with them.
Listen to what they need.
Help them connect with ongoing support.
Stay connected. Follow up to see how they’re doing
ALWAYS REMEMBER HELP IS JUST ONE CALL AWAY - +91-9999959044
Regards
Dr. Pankaj Kumar
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist and Deaddiction Specialist
Founder and Chairman -
The Healers Psychiatry Centre,
Healers Institute Of Deaddiction And Psychiatry (HIDP)
General Secretary -
Delhi Psychiatric Society
hidp.in
deaddiction.center
healerspsychiatry.com
