A person who is thinking suicide may not ask for help, but that does not mean that help is not wanted. Most people who carry out a suicide threat do so to stop hurting; they do not want to die. Suicide prevention begins with the recognition of certain warning signs and then doing something about them. It may be a difficult subject to broach with a friend or family member, but if you think they may be contemplating taking their own life, then talking openly and frankly, can save a life.
Understanding suicide and preventing it:
On a global scale, it is estimated that one million people commit suicide every year. It is hard to imagine why so many people want to take their own lives. What is known about suicide it is an attempt to escape suffering which to the individual, has become intolerable. The suicidal person sees no other escape from his morose other than suicide. Despite their desire to end their suffering, most suicidal people are in conflict with themselves about ending their own life. There is a desire upon the part of the person contemplating suicide for an alternative, but they can’t see it. This is where people can help in suicide prevention, by pointing out the alternatives.
Misconceptions about suicide:
- People who threaten to commit suicide really won’t: This is false, whenever a person gives the slightest hint of a suicidal tendency, pay attention.
- Anyone who attempts suicide must be crazy: False, most people who commit suicide are not crazy, they are grief stricken or depressed, but these are not signs of mental illness.
- Nothing will stop a person who is intent on suicide: False, even the most mixed-up individual has mixed feelings about his death, usually wavering between wanting to live and wanting to die. Suicidal people do not want death; they want a way to stop their pain.
- Suicidal people are those who won’t seek help: False, most people who do commit suicide are on record as having looked for psychiatric help prior to their death.
- Talking about suicide will plant the idea: Also false, you can’t give anyone the idea of committing suicide, but talking may prevent it.
What are the warning signs of a suicide?
Most people who are seriously contemplating suicide will give signals. The best way for anyone to get involved in suicide prevention is to understand these signals and respond to them. Take control of the situation, if you sense a family member or friend is contemplating ending his own life, then you must point out the alternatives, show that you genuinely care and seek psychiatric care for the individual.
Suicide prevention is everyone business; friends, family and the professionals at Valley Hospital in Phoenix AZ. The inpatient and outpatient care is designed to meet the needs of each individual patient.
