World Suicide Prevention day September 10th

Shining a light on suicide this World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 is observed on September 10. This day is aimed to raise awareness amongst people to protect their loved ones from suicide and help them deal with mental disorders

This day was first observed in 2003 by the collaboration of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).

We believe that collectively, we can all make a difference to someone’s life. Connect, Care and Communicate

Mental Health has become a silent killer globally, whereby people are taking drastic steps and ending their lives because the pain becomes unbearable for them.

COVID-19 lockdown has had a massive impact on people with existing mental health disorders, that has sadly resulted in suicide.

Despite outward appearance, suicides show us that we can never know what another person is going through and sometimes not until it is too late. The importance of discussing Mental Illness now to remove the stigma surrounding it.

Suicide is a major health problem and the global suicide mortality is increasing each year, especially with young people. Suicide behaviour is intricately connected with Mental Health Disorder and carry an increased risk of suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide.

There is lower risk of suicide behaviour during closely monitored long-term treatment of suicide patients, including treatment adherence is an important factor in medical suicide prevention.

Depressions is not always in dark rooms and crying endlessly. Sometimes it is getting up, going to work, or visiting your friends, smiling all day, then coming home to the quietness of your mind. Encouraging people to break the silence, by talking about their challenges. Let them know that asking for help is strength and they are not alone. Remind them that, we are stronger together, and there is always HOPE.  Let them know that they are loved, appreciated. 

It is important for people to be kind to others and to show love and respect. Stay connected by a call or a text message.  Show love and compassion. Take a moment to listen. It is that simple act, that will change a person’s feelings in seconds. By staying connected, you will be able to identify the highs and lows of a person. Society at large must identify signs of depression and act upon it by getting the person professional help.

If you are suffering from mental health issues or know someone who is, contact the support helpline number in your area or go to the local hospital.

What are the steps to take for preventing someone from suicide?

How can we protect our loved ones from suicide? Signs and Thoughts

Before you protect someone, first know the signs of suicidal thoughts. The signs are as follows:

1. Talking about death or suicide.

2. Feeling of hopelessness.

3. Considering themselves as a burden.

4. Withdrawing themselves completely from friends and family.

5. Losing interest in all kinds of activities.

6. Extreme mood swings.

7. Giving away all his possessions.

8. Saying goodbye to their family and friends.

When you see these signs, it’s better to take care of that person and try not to leave them alone.

What we can do to protect our loved ones? These steps can be taken:

1.Never take someone’s suicidal talks or threats lightly. If it feels important to him, then maybe they are truly struggling with it and need immediate help. So, never dismiss their feelings or thoughts about suicide.

2.When someone is attempting suicide, they are dealing with tremendous emotional pain and consider suicide to escape from the feeling. They want to survive if there is another way to cope up with this problem. So, you should always motivate them to seek professional help. Advise or take them to a clinic for counselling or therapy. They can vent out their emotions and the therapist can show them the right way to fight the illness.

3.Be a good listener. If they can talk to a caring friend about their emotional pain and feel relieved, it helps to a great extent to lower the pressure of suicidal thoughts. Make them realise that you are always with them whenever they need to reach out to someone. And pay keen attention to whatever they say. You do not need to give sound advice to them always but listening to them carefully will really be helpful.

4.You may feel hesitated or scared to ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts. But since it is there on their mind always, do not be scared, ask, and talk to them about it. They can also be free to open up to you.

5.If they are struggling a lot with suicidal thoughts and going under therapy, do not leave them alone. Always make sure that they have company and hide all kinds of things or pills that can harm them.

6.If they tell you not to tell others about their suicidal thoughts, talk to their immediate family and friends. Tell them about it so that you all can help them out as people trying to keep it as a secret, are at a higher risk of suicide.

This is the day when all of us can help make a difference by supporting those with suicidal thoughts, remembering those lost to suicide & listening to the bereaved.

If you or anyone you know needs emotional support, there are several helpline numbers or visit the nearest mental health care facility.

Website : www.hopetoheal.org.za  NPO No. 214-552 / PBO No. 930049867 Email : seema@hopetoheal.org.za  /info@hopetoheal.org.za Tel: Seema Naidoo : +27 11 78 9067461