Suicide and its misconceptions

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide. According to Medical News Today, suicide the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. The reason for an individual suicide is complex but is most times a choice that is somehow preferable to another set of dreaded circumstances, it is not a pointless or random act. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can't see any way of finding relief except through death. People with high standards and expectations are especially vulnerable to ideas of suicide when progress toward these goals is suddenly foiled. People of many ethnic backgrounds suffer from depression and succumb to suicide. Suicide Prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them serious.

Warning signs of suicide:

•   talking about suicide

•   seeking out lethal means

•   preoccupation with death

•   no hope for the future

•   self-loafing, self hatred

•   giving away prized possessions

•   withdrawing from others

•   self destructive behavior

•   suddens sense of calm

•   displaying extreme mood swings

•   sleeping too much or too little

Misconceptions of suicide:

FALSE: People who talk about suicide won’t really do it

TRUE: Almost everyone who attempts/commits suicide has given some clue or warning.

FALSE: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy

TRUE: Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane

FALSE: if a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them

TRUE: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop

FALSE: People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help

TRUE: Studies show that suicide victims have shown that more than half had soughs medical help 6 months prior to their deaths

FALSE: Talking about suicide may give someone ideas

TRUE: The opposite is true, bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Sources:

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention-helping-someone-who-is-suicidal.htm