September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Having suicidal thoughts can be due to a number of reasons but whatever be the case, there is always a way out. Sometimes, we lose a loved one because we failed to notice suicidal signs they displayed through their behaviour. Let’s prevent this and save a life. Dr Gayatri Ayyer, a counselling psychologist, lists out some typical suicidal symptoms seen in adults and possible reasons people commit suicide.
Reasons people have suicidal thoughts
Depression: Depression could lead to suicidal ideas, thoughts and behaviour. People who are depressed often have negative thoughts about their life and are likely to end it if they lose hope completely.
Trauma: Any major trauma or life changing event (usually negative) such as divorce, separation, loss of child, loss of spouse, financial loss, bankruptcy, etc could be a reason to commit suicide.
Abuse: Having suffered abuse or neglect in life be it in any form such as physical, emotional, sexual is another reason many people resort to suicide.
Low self-esteem: When one loses confidence in their self, they look down upon themselves and feel they are no good and do not deserve to live. Here’s how to deal with suicidal thoughts.
Harassment: A person who is being bullied, harassed in any way either at their workplace or at home (dowry, sexual, work related) and does not find support in others may have suicidal thoughts.
Unemployment: Losing one’s job and not finding another one especially when you are the breadwinner of the family can put a person in a lot of pressure. Financial crunch can be a reason to end one’s life.
Shame: Any shameful incident can leave a person feeling low and worthless. It could be something grave such as being convicted for a crime or suffering embarrassment at a larger scale.
Disability or illness: Suffering from an illness for a long time or having a disability could lead to thoughts of ‘I’m a financial burden’ or ‘how long will my family and I suffer?’
Retirement: Having a very good career graph and then retiring can at times make people feel less productive or low on energy post retirement.
Bad results: Due to the pressure put by teachers and parents on kids, they may think of ending their life if they haven’t performed well.
Signs of suicidal tendencies
Excessive tiredness: Not being energetic at any point of the day or being lethargic all the time can be a tell-tale sign.
Lack of appetite: The person will no longer enjoy eating and lose their appetite for no apparent reason.
Withdrawal: The person might suddenly withdraw themselves from their loved ones and go into a shell. Even family members, friends and close peers may not get a response from them.
Hopelessness: The person may talk about his failures and how they don’t have a purpose in life anymore.
Lack of interest: The person might lose interest in everything, even in activities he found interesting.
Disturbed sleep: The person will either have very less or excessive sleep than the usual amount.
Talking about suicide: Some people might talk about committing suicide either jokingly or in a serious manner. This can be a red flag to do something about it.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms either in someone’s behaviour or their diary or any other personal blog, you should note them and observe them more. It these continue for two weeks or more, they need immediate psychological/psychiatric help. Read how to decode suicides.
Other ways to stop suicidal tendencies
- Provide the person moral support by talking to them.
- Discuss various options if it is a case of unemployment or financial trouble.
- Channelise their energy into healthy habits such as exercise, hobbies, etc.
- Keep them active and their focus away from the bad situation they are in.
- Have open conversations so that they can talk freely.
- Find support groups for them.
- Get them psychiatric help.
Here are more ways to help a suicidal person.
Image source: Shutterstock
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