Public Health Action for the Prevention of Suicide

What Is Suicide?

Suicide means ending self-life or death caused by self-directed violence with an intent to die. It is a method of escaping from pain or suffering and is preventable. However, it impacts the life of an individual and family. Therefore, a suicide attempt is considered a crime.

What Is the Demeanor of a Suicidal Person?

The following are the signs of a suicidal person:

• The person may experience mood swings and fluctuations in thoughts.

• The person is unable to control their sadness and anger.

• When a person has lost hope in life and the future.

• Poor self-esteem, doubt about self-worth, and negative thoughts scattering in the mind. These kinds of feelings may affect the person in the long term of life.

• Feeling isolated even when a group of people surrounds the person.

• Triggered events and previous experiences that haunt you throughout life can also be the reason for a suicide attempt.

• Developing insecurities in mind for no reason.

• Calling and visiting people to say goodbye.

• The person talks about desires to kill themselves.

• Alcohol or substance abuse can trigger the mind and bring suicidal thoughts.

• Feeling trapped.

• Agitation, anxiety, inability to sleep, or sleeping all the time.

• Giving away possessions and referring to things not needed.

What Are the Typical Reasons for Suicide?

• Prolonged economic hardship in the family.

• Unable to cope with love, relationship, or break up.

• Inability to meet the expectation of a job, marks, or college.

• A mentally harassed person may tend to end their life.

• Prolonged depression can also be the reason for suicide.

• Self-disappointments and failures in life to achieve desired goals.

• People who are suffering from chronic pain.

• Getting bullied by friends or batchmates.

• Loss or rejection in personal or professional life.

• Exposure to violence.

• Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others.

• Feeling of being a burden to others.

• Experiencing Increased social isolation and emptiness in life.

• Difficulty in accepting sexual orientation.

• Legal problems.

• Death of loved ones.

• Certain cultural and religious beliefs.

• Family violence includes sexual and physical abuse.

What Is the Suicide Rate Worldwide?

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally. Around eight hundred thousand people die every year. The suicide rate of men is higher than women. It is especially seen in teenagers than old age population.

How to Protect One From Suicidal Thoughts?

The ways to protect against suicidal thoughts can be achieved by adopting the following methods mentioned below:

• Self-care is essential, and exchanging self-thoughts with others might elevate a good mood and a happy mind.

• Maintaining a diary with updated details of each day in case the person wants to share their secrets.

• Following new hobbies and indulging in social activities will keep the minds busy.

• Engaging in small get-togethers, hobby classes, and playing games with friends and family.

• Creating a positive mindset will help the individual lead a happy and cheerful life.

• Small talks with other people can lead to tiny steps in preventing loneliness.

• Meditation can help focus and develop the confidence to indulge in social activities.

• Avoid the consumption of drugs and alcohol when depressed.

• Medical therapy and psychiatric help can protect from suicidal thoughts.

When Is World Suicide Prevention Day Celebrated?

World suicide prevention day is celebrated on September 10th. It was formally announced on September 10th, 2003.

What Are Recommended Public Health Interventions to Prevent Suicide?

The recommended public health interventions to prevent suicide are:

• The presence of psychiatrist in remote and rural areas ensure reduced suicide rates.

• Suicide prevention acts and programs through social media platforms like news channels, magazines, television, and the internet.

• Strengthen mental health through counseling, medicines, and primary healthcare services.

• School authorities take the initiative to educate the students on the negative impacts of suicidal thoughts in life.

• Promote early identification, assessment, and treatment for the person at risk of suicidal behavior.

• Various support groups are made to guide people and avoid the chances of suicide.

• Promoting meditation and yoga session programs.

• Safety planning has shown reduced suicidal thoughts and actions. For example, the government has limited access to lethal means such as poison, pills, and firearms.

• The government runs many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that spread social awareness about suicide and its disadvantages.

• Helpline services like suicide call-back services are also available that involve 24 hours free telephone services for counseling people affected by suicidal thoughts. The local emergency number is 911.

• Education on mental health and various campaigns to help people come out from depression.

• Policies are implemented to limit the use of harmful alcohol as it can be used for substance abuse.

• The government often bans pictures, posters, and advertisements that harm the sentiment of a person or community.

• Screening is done for individuals who come to the emergency department with injuries from self-harm. Psychometric tests such as the geriatric depression scale or Beck depression inventory are used to measure depression to detect the possibility of suicide.

Conclusion:

Suicide is just a permanent solution to a temporary problem. People tend to kill themselves, thinking they are ending the pain but passing it on to those they leave behind. Therefore, a never-give-up attitude is very important for human survival. Suicide is preventable by being alert to the surroundings and helping others know their lives' importance and meaning.

Safety planning, involvement of family, evidence-based treatment, therapeutic relationship, and communicated plans are important to focus on individual risk reduction in patients for committing suicide.