HAVE you ever heard of someone saying lifeisn't worth living, I feel like there's no way out, there's nothing I can do tomake things better or I'd be better off dead? If your answer is yes, then takethese as warning signs of someone who is having suicidal thoughts. Move! speaksto mental health practitioner, Thokozane Chiloane, about the matter.
WHATRESEARCH SAYS
Suicide doesn't discriminate. People of allgenders, ages, and ethnicities are at risk of developing suicidal thoughts.
Although it is considered one of theleading causes of death, suicide is preventable. It has been indicated thatmany people who consider suicide do not want to die, but see suicide as a solutionto their problems.
Many who commit suicide feel hopeless, helpless,worthless and believe that there is no one who can help them with what they arefacing and as a result fail to take steps to solve their problems. This makes themoverwhelmed with personal failure.
Thokozane says in most cases people whohave gone through some pretty hectic experiences in life may contemplatekilling themselves.
CAUSESOF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
According to Thokozane, things such aslosing a loved one, loss of employment or debt may lead to people contemplatingcommitting suicide.
She says in some instances, people who havebeen physically or sexually abused or those who have been diagnosed with alife-threatening illness might contemplate suicide. She says most people whoconsider taking their own lives have a personal or family history of suicideattempts, a family history of severe anxiety, depression or mental health problemsand they might also have a drug or alcohol problem.
THESIGNS OF SUICIDE
Having thoughts of death is one of thethings that should be taken seriously. According to Thokozane, risk factorsvary by age, gender and ethnic group.
Warning signs of someone who might be thinkingof taking their own life include being depressed or in a sad mood, there is achange in their sleeping patterns, they speak or move with unusual speed orslowness, always talking about death, lost interest in things they used to careabout, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, experiencing fatigue or lossof energy and withdrawal from family and friends.
She says some will talk about killingthemselves or post it on social media. Suicidal people can even go to theextent of getting their affairs in order such as paying off debt, changing aWill and may also obtain a weapon or write a suicide note.
WHATTO DO IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS SUICIDAL
The first step when you suspect thatsomeone is suicidal is to help them by referring them to a social worker,psychologist or clinic, where they can talk to a professional.
"People who are suicidal eventually succeedif they don't get the help they require. Often others will take them for grantedand think that it's just attention seeking behaviour and give up on them. Wemust not give up because they eventually kill themselves," says Thokozane.
She says you must talk openly with theperson whose life might be nearing the end. "If the person was diagnosed with aparticular life-threatening illness, don't be shy to bring it up as it showssupport and concern.
By talking about suicide, you show theperson that you truly care about them because if there is no connection, theperson may continue to have suicidal thoughts. If they feel isolated this mightcontribute to the challenge they might be facing and escalate their pain."
HOWYOU CAN HELP
Thokozane advises people not to takesuicidal thoughts or attempts lightly. Even though there is not enoughawareness about suicide, there are support groups that assist such people todeal with the challenges.
She says when talking to a person you thinkmight be suicidal, it's very important not to dismiss what they're saying.While this makes sense, we might minimise a person's pain without evenrealising it.
If the person talks about negativesituations, try to encourage them by sharing some of the bad experiences thatmight have happened in your life and let them know how you overcame those challenges.
She says you have to find a way ofapproaching that particular person and let them know that you are concernedabout them. It is important to listen to what that person might be sayingbecause this is regarded as one of the best ways to help the person in danger, accordingto Thokozane.
"You have to give the person a chance tosay how they are feeling and what they're going through," she says.
WHERETO GET HELP
Talking to a professional can assist one tosee beyond the feelings of loneliness and they might realise that there areoptions to solve their challenges.
A trauma counsellor or psychologist can be helpfulin this regard. Thokozane says talking to a family member or friend about howyou feel might help to ease away the pain.
"There are several telephone helplines thatone can call at any time of the day or night where you can speak to someone whounderstands how you feel and help you through the crisis you might be facing,"she says.
USEFULCONTACTS
Federation of Mental Health 011 339 2621
FAMSA 011 975 7106
Lifeline SA 011 715 2000
Suicide Crisis Line 0800 12 13 14
South African Depression and Anxiety Group 080012 13 14
