WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY-MEDODRIX SPECIALS

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Edited by, JOHN FELIX

For free/immediate counselling: https://icallhelpline.org/

Suicide is the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34 years in the United States and the 10th leading cause of death in the overall population of US. In 2019 in the US, over 47,000 people died by suicide. The rate of suicide death has been increased every year since 2000. Approximately 1.3 million adults attempted suicide every year.

Men are three times more likely to attempt for suicide than women. Firearms are most commonly used for suicide. In India, hanging, self immolation and poisons are the majorly practiced Suicide methods. Yet, Suicide is preventable. Recognizing the risk factors and warning signs can help to prevent suicide deaths.

RISK FACTORS:

The major risk factor for suicide is the previous suicide attempt. Suicide is linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety and alcohol use disorders. The other risk factors may include;

• A history of suicide in the family

• Mood disorders such as Depression

• Keeping firearms or pistols in home

• Financial difficulties

• Losses or failures

• Bullying

• Physical illness or chronic painful diseases such as Cancer

WARNING SIGNS:

• Often talking or writing about death or dying

• Speaking about being helpless, hopeless or worthless

• Always being depressed

• Drug or alcohol abuse

• Being alone. Not spending time with friends, family or community

• Talking about being burden to others

PREVENTION:

Do check out this website for immediate counselling:

 https://icallhelpline.org/

If you feel depressed, worthless or hopeless, speak to your friends or family members about the reason for the depression or contact a health care provider. Always please remember that your life is very much important to someone in someway. Everyone's life has a meaning.

If you observe any of the above warning signs in people around you, speak to them and ask them to share their feelings. Provide them with good advices and make them understand the value of life. Make them sure that you will be always with them in any situation to support them. Try to make an appointment with an Psychiatrist or other health care providers. Keep them safe with you.