Suicide - Warning Signs, Risk Factors and Prevention

Posted by Jessica W.
6
Sep 9, 2015
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As per common to most guided descriptions, suicide may be defined as a desperate act to get rid of unbearable sufferings. When a person becomes prone to feelings of isolation, hopelessness and self-loathing, he or she may contemplate suicide as the only means of elusion. However, most people who think of giving up their lives may be in two minds about the idea of killing themselves. They often wish for an alternative and try hard to find a solution to look past their suicidal thoughts. 

Warning Signs :
Before committing suicide, most people convey warning signals in one way or the other. These signs, if interpreted correctly, can help to take suitable steps for preventing a person from taking their own life. The most common signals or symptoms include harming oneself, mood swings, personality changes, negligence towards one’s appearance and changes in sleeping habits. Other major telltale signs are as follows:

  • Talking about self-harm or dying
  • Looking for lethal means, such as pills, knives, guns, etc.
  • Contemplation on death and violence
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Hating or loathing oneself
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family, as if they would not be seen ever again
  • Withdrawing from family and friends, and society on the whole, and seeking isolation
  • Exhibiting self-destructive behaviour or doing things that are dangerous
  • Sudden feelings of happiness; it can mean that the person has finally made up their mind to commit suicide
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy and exhaustion
  • Weight loss

Risk Factors :
The risk factors associated with suicidal people are varied and widespread, and it is not possible to find and list all of them. The life of each and every person is different, so the reasons why they want to terminate their own life are distinct as well. However, some of the common risk factors are as follows :

  • Mental instability
  • Substance abuse or addiction to alcohol
  • Previous attempts of suicide
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Loneliness and social isolation
  • Legal problems
  • Stress from work
  • Sexual abuse
  • Monetary problems
  • Terminal illness
  • Relationship and family issues

Prevention :
There are several ways by which a person can be dissuaded from committing suicide. The most effective one is to encourage that person for seeking professional help - booking an appointment with a psychologist, asking for assistance from a community counsellor or participating in group therapies. There are many reputed counsellors, group therapists and even a French psychologist in Bondi, who are well-qualified and competent enough to address the issues of suicidal people.
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