30 Jan Suicide and the Community
In recent months, we have seen a number of suicides play out via live feeds and other social media sites. Some may think latter events have been copycat suicides. Most people want to know what is causing so many to take their own lives and to do so in front of live audiences. Well let’s examine the word suicide. Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Research has shown, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and is the 3rd leading cause of death among the ages of 15-24 year olds. There is no single influence of suicide. However, some risk factors may include: environmental stressors, isolation, lack of support, bullying, recent loss, hopelessness, depression and loss of interest. Males are 4x likely to commit suicide and females are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. History of suicide attempts and family history increases the likelihood of suicide.
There are many signs of possible suicidal thoughts and attempts. Close friends and relatives that are informed of the triggers of suicide, will help to provide necessary aid to individuals in crises. One should be alarmed when individuals are talking about not wanting to live, being a burden or killing themselves. These individuals have most likely suffered a loss (job/finances, loved one and/or expelled from school). Lack of support and hopelessness are symptoms of depression which is considered the main trigger of suicide. Typically, depressed individuals are withdrawn, isolated, impulsive, anxious and suffer from extreme mood swings. Depression also causes individuals to have an increased use of substances which is known as a way of self-medicating to alleviate feelings of sadness. For example, many of you have heard of the term, “Drinking my troubles away.” Oftentimes, sleeping and eating disturbances are noted. People with access to weapons and other means of committing suicide should be taken very seriously. Depression affects 20-25% of individuals 18+.
Many ask why commit suicide on live feeds. Actually, in the minds of depressed individuals, live feeds help to provide superficial support from many people at the same time. This aids in the interruption of feelings of loneliness. As you can recall, lack of support is a contributor of depression. If one can log on to social media and get a few hundred people to watch, the hopes of maybe someone will help or intervene are great. This actually helps to create bystander effect in which individuals in large crowds are apathetic and less likely to render aid in times of need. Oftentimes, causing deadly results from superficial support of social media.
So, what should you do? You can familiarize yourself with the warning signs of depression and suicide. The more you know, the better you are to helping others. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid of causing more sadness. With lack of support being a trigger of suicide, showing support and concern for individuals in crises will help to initiate dialogue needed in order to seek treatment. Then, provide support. This means if your loved one or friend needs someone to talk to or simply sit in silence with, be that person! Let’s face it, WE all need a person. It is that very reason why individuals with suicidal thoughts talk about being a burden to others. They feel they simply have no one who truly cares. Finally, seek treatment/help. When you notice the signs of suicide, it is always best to seek professional assistance. Making the call, driving them to their appointment or simply sitting in the waiting room offers a great deal of support in times of need. It helps to show the individual they are not alone.
Suicide Prevention can be formulated in the terms of education, awareness and de-stigmatization. Familiarizing oneself of the causes and/or triggers of suicide is beneficial to the community. Remember, the more you know the better you are to helping others. This creates awareness. Awareness of the symptoms and awareness of the triggers of loved ones. Education and awareness helps to break the stigma of mental illness in the community creating more comfortable and welcoming environments to share feelings freely. We as a community can help to decrease the rate of suicide.
For more assistance, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or schedule an appointment to seek treatment by contacting the number below for Positive Therapy Behavioral Services.
Together as one, we can help to decrease suicide rates.
~Your Favorite Therapist
Igniting Hope & Wellness
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