When depression becomes suicide

Behind my smile is everything you’ll never understand  ~  Unknown

 

There are many kinds of pain that may lead to suicide. Whether or not the pain is bearable may differ from person to person. What might be bearable to someone else, may not be bearable to another. The point at which the pain becomes unbearable depends on what kinds of coping resources you have. Individuals vary greatly in their capacity to withstand pain. Suicide results from a complex interaction of biological, genetic, psychological, cultural, sociological and environmental factors. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behaviour seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. Most people who commit suicide don't want to die—they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. Speak up if you're concerned and seek professional help immediately! Through understanding, reassurance, and support, you can help your loved one overcome thoughts of suicide. Suicide is neither wrong nor right; it is not a defect of character; it is morally neutral. It is simply an imbalance of pain versus coping resources.

 

Warning signs of suicide

Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize these warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or psychologist involved. Major warning signs for suicide include talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs. These signals are even more dangerous if the person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder, suffers from alcohol dependence, has previously attempted suicide, or has a family history of suicide. A more subtle but equally dangerous warning sign of suicide is hopelessness. People who feel hopeless may talk about "unbearable" feelings, predict a bleak future, and state that they have nothing to look forward to. Other warning signs that point to a suicidal mind frame include dramatic mood swings or sudden personality changes, such as going from outgoing to withdrawn or well-behaved to rebellious. A suicidal person may also lose interest in day-to-day activities, neglect his or her appearance, and show big changes in eating or sleeping habits.

 

Some general signs are :

• Talking about killing or harming one’s self
• Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
• Self loathing, self hatred
• An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
• Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)

• Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
• Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)
• Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”
• A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy
• Withdrawing from others
• Sudden sense of calm

 

Some specific verbal signs are :

• “Instructors, classmates, families and friends do not care."
• "Life isn't worthwhile."
• "People are/ everyone would be better off without me."
• "Everything seems to be going wrong."
• "I don't need this any more."

 

Some specific non verbal signs are :

• Giving away personal or prized possessions.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Lack of interest in personal appearance.
• Lack of interest in friends.
• Lack of interest in social activities that were formerly of interest.
• Poor performance in school.
• Boredom, restlessness, and loss of concentration.

 

A comprehensive assessment of suicidal behaviour is fundamental to effective counselling intervention and prevention activities. All suicide assessment should include:

• A review of relevant risk factors
• Any history of suicidal behaviour
• Unchangeable biological, psychosocial, mental, situational or medical conditions
• Extent of current suicidal symptoms and degree of hopelessness
• Precipitant stressors
• Level of impulsivity and personal control
• Other mitigating information
• Protective factors

 

Some important points to note:

Never underestimate the many resources available. Professional mental health practitioners, churches, families and schools.

Family must be made aware of the symptoms. They should become more aware and tolerant of the affected person’s needs.

Schools have programmes and opportunities for people to develop hobbies.

 

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide. What drives so many individuals to take their own lives? To those not in the grips of suicidal depression and despair, it's difficult to understand what drives so many individuals to take their own lives. But a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she can see no other option. Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can't see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to committing suicide, but they just can't see one. Please feel free to add any information you think might help too.