Every 40 seconds, a person commits suicide somewhere in the world. The impact on families, friends and communities is devastating and far-reaching. In history, suicides played at times prominent roles, legend like Ajax the Great who killed himself in the Trojan War, and Lucretia whose suicide around 510 B.C
Suicide is the act of taking one’s own life. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of approximately 47,000 each year.
Media and communications professionals have an important role to play in shaping and reinforcing the social attitudes towards, perceptions and understanding of suicide and mental ill-health.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors should be considered a psychiatric emergency. If someone you know is exhibiting either, you should seek immediate assistance from a healthcare provider. In a country like India, going public on mental illness is surely not a piece of cake. However, Indian celebrities’ open confession about their battle with depression and mental illness proved that a luxurious life doesn’t necessarily have to hint at contented life. World Mental Health Day observed today aims to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization over 300 million people irrespective of age suffer from depression.
Myth that someone may attempt suicide:
If we can’t see what a person is feeling on the inside, so it isn’t always easy to identify the warning signs that a person may be contemplating suicide include:
1.It's dangerous to ask a depressed person whether they're considering suicide,
2.Someone who has their act together isn’t at risk of suicide,
3.Most suicides happen around the winter holiday season,
4.When someone recovers after hitting rock bottom, their risk of suicide declines,
5.Giving someone a hotline number to call is enough.
Warning signs that someone may attempt suicide:
1.Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or alone,
2.Saying they have no reason to go on living,
3. Eating too little or eating too much, resulting in significant weight gain or loss,
4. Engaging in reckless behaviors, including excessive alcohol or drug consumption,
5. Avoiding social interactions with others,
6. Expressing rage or intentions to seek revenge,
7. Showing signs of extreme anxiousness or agitation,
8. Having dramatic mood swings.
Practice These Coping Skills Every Day:
1. Find small ways to be of service to others,
2. Find workable goals that give you a sense of accomplishment,
3. Schedule pleasant activities or events,
4. Stay in the present,
5. And, eat right too,
6. Focus on people who lift you up,
7. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule.
“Suffering has been stronger than all other teachings and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.”
- Charles Dickens
It can feel scary, but taking action and getting someone the help they need may help prevent a suicide attempt or death. Minds are like parachutes, they function only when open. - CLUE!BOX
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