Suicide attempt

Why do people kill themselves? Chapter 1

One fine day, I was holidaying with family and my phone rings up with the news of suicide attempt of my close relative. I canceled my tour and rushed back home. Family is everything for us and emergencies foist some urgent and important responsibilities on us any time. And you got to help them during their need.

There could be reasons for every extreme action. Each has had a different reason for doing so, but what remains constant is the sadness left in the wake. Moreover, many of them never knows the actual reason.

Why someone chooses the option?

Yes, it is an easiest option to choose. Might be the situation was too unbearable so much so no other alternative came to the mind. The person might not think of other option to get away from the situation.

The person might feel trapped due to the agitation in the thoughts. Sometimes the situation gets out of control. A sense of failure in everything he or she does. The worthlessness could be the proper word. “I can’t do anything right” feelings.

The American association of suicide prevention(1) explained the warning signs of suicide;

Talk

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain

Behavior

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue

Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/Shame
  • Agitation/Anger
  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

Several Risk factors may include;

Health Factors

  • Mental health conditions
    • Depression
    • Substance use problems
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Personality traits of aggression, mood changes, and poor relationships
    • Conduct disorder
    • Anxiety disorders
  • Serious physical health conditions including pain
  • Traumatic brain injury

Environmental Factors

  • Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
  • Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
  • Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
  • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Historical Factors

  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

When your closed one chooses this way, don’t judge them. Because, they have given up on every try, and now they might be struggling on keep it going.

Death is final though suicide is not the answer. Obviously, things can’t go back as they were before. But remember…THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!

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