Suicide rates are dramatically rising, leaving us almost without any hope to control what is happening. In the statistics conducted by the World Health Organization, it shows how about 800,000 people die of suicide annually. That is about one person ending his life every 40 seconds on average.
No matter how hard we try to crack the codes to understand and be under the covers of those who are at risk of committing suicide, it is still difficult to understand them and reverse the trend. There is no single reason for committing suicide as the cause of such negative feelings varies depending on the person's past experiences and traumas. But, know that there are still signs to determine whether your closest friend is already silently pleading for help. There are still ways we can alter what is about to happen.
THEIR BEHAVIOR CHANGES
"Any significant and unexplained changes in behavior should at least be a cause for inquiry," explains Joel A. Dvoskin, Ph.D., a clinical and forensic psychologist who teaches at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. Though a change in behavior is a crucial factor in determining whether or not your loved one is about to commit suicide, the expert says it is still not enough.
So, instead of assuming right away, better talk to him in private first. Ask several questions. You can start by asking "How's his day?" or things like that. Just make sure your questions are respectful and won't get him offended.
WITHDRAWING FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
Engaging in social activities is crucial for a person. Withdrawing from such is a bad sign especially for people suffering from mental illness as it tends to show that something is wrong. So if you notice your friend is trying to avoid seeing you or any of your friends and is also trying to show loss of interest in your usual set of activities, then your friend might be at risk of killing himself.
"Adults withdrawing from social activities, family activities, even going out after work with colleagues could be a sign that something is going on", explains Daniel Reidenberg, PsyD. Reidenberg is the executive director of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.
It may be really difficult to determine who among our peers and loved ones are planning to kill themselves, as revealed by The Healthy. But know you can always do something about that. Always show your love and care towards people around you. You will never know who needs it the most.
