Help Prevent Suicide by Showing the Person That You Care

by Patrick Ward Walk in Urgent Care Clinic

The World Suicide Prevention Day this year is on September 10.

You may be surprised to note that one in every 100 deaths globally is caused by suicide. It can affect anybody. Needless to say, each suicide is devastating with a profound impact on the near and dear ones.

Here are some sobering figures.

· Roughly around 700,000 people die of suicide worldwide every year,

· The suicide rate is twice as high among men as women.

· A person suffering from depression is twenty times more likely to commit suicide than someone without the disorder.

Yet, we can raise the awareness by reducing the stigma around suicide and by inspiring confidence.

Suicidal thoughts are complex. The reasons that lead to suicides are many. Unfortunate life events can make people vulnerable to suicide. The reason can also be mental health conditions, such as depression, or certain life-threatening illnesses like cancer, AIDS or permanent disabilities.

Physicians’ offices Arlington VA has frequent visits by patients who look depressed because they think they could have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. This urgent care center reassures them by doing testing and treatment on the same day. This clearly shows how healthcare support at the right time can instill confidence in people depressed by thoughts of perceived illnesses.

Covid-19 pandemic has contributed a great deal to suicidal vulnerability. There is an increase in the number of patients presenting with suicide and self-harm tendencies in hospitals.

In addition to efforts in preventing Covid-19 spread, healthcare personnel must also raise awareness about dealing with mental health problems.

Warning signs of suicide must be recognized early and support must be provided immediately to those needed. Ideally this is the task of medical professionals, policy holders, psychiatrists and psychologists.

We must make the World Suicide Prevention Day an opportunity to advance suicide prevention efforts and save as many lives as possible.

Take a proactive stance to reach out

Your loved one, a friend, a colleague or even a stranger could be needing help. You can assist them by showing that you care. Even if you do not have a solution, by just taking time and listening to them about their distress or suicidal thoughts can help.

Look out for warning signs

Hopelessness, uncontrolled anger, reckless acts, or engaging in risky activities are signs that people are unable to cope with their lives.

They act without thinking, feel trapped as if there is no way out, withdraw from friends and family, and display dramatic mood changes.

Do not be afraid to ask someone if he or she is feeling depressed or suicidal.

You may feel the very act of intervention may worsen the situation. This is a myth. An offer of support is likelier to reduce stress and minimize chances of suicide.

If you feel the person is suffering from an illness or may have made suicidal attempts, there is no harm in visiting physicians urgent care in VA.

The physician in charge may have a clear strategy on how to deal with such patients. The first priority will be to stabilize the patient and ensure their safety. Thereafter, the patient may be referred to a hospital

Take time to reach out. You may well prevent suicide to those in pain.