Friends, family should heed suicide warning signs

By Priscah Angwenyi

Every September, the world marks World Suicide Prevention month. This year’s theme, ‘Creating hope through action’ reflects the need for collective action to address this urgent public health issue.

All of us, family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments should take action to prevent suicide in the region.

According to the World Health Organization, suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with the intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with the intent to die as a result of the behavior.

There are several causes of suicide. To unravel the suicidal face, Newsline had a sit down with Ms. Getter Wasilwa, Senior Counseling Psychologist in the department of mental health and this is what she had to say:

“There are many causes of suicide, especially with the tough economic times we are in, high rates of unemployment, family divisions, childlessness, etc,” said Ms. Wasilwa

The root cause of suicide in many instances is untreated depression. Below are some of the red flags of someone who may be suicidal;

Family and friends should always be wary of specific warning signs in individuals and not ignore some obvious signs of suicide. Everyone should be alerted when an individual who ordinarily does not talk about death starts talking about it in a manner to suggest they wish to die. Having feelings of great guilt, disillusionment, sadness, shame, and physical pain should not be ignored as well.

Drastic behavior changes such as withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will are also signs of a suicidal individual who needs help. Other strange behaviours include extreme risks such as speeding, unexplained and sudden mood swings, changes in sleeping patterns, as well as drug and substance abuse.

“If these warning signs apply to someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives,” Ms. Wasilwa said.

Prevention measures against suicide begin with the identification of persons at greater risk and linking them with professionals who will provide them with care and support.

Reduced access to means of selfharm and suicide such as withdrawal of guns and installing barriers on bridges can help mitigate the chances of suicide.

Important life skills such as critical thinking and stress management can enhance resilience to suicidal tendencies in individuals. The use of medication that stabilizes mood fluctuations is also very essential in suicide prevention.

“If you want to show me that you love me, don’t say that you would die for me, and instead stay alive for me. It is a collective responsibility to prevent suicide in the community,” concluded Ms. Wasilwa.

PHOTO |COURTESY

A devastated man contemplating sucide by hanging