It is important to know the various behavioural pattern of a suicidal individual in order to note the steps in which you can take to help them. Things people say, their behaviour and mood can all serve as suicide warning signs. The more signs someone has, the greater the person’s risk. The various behavioural patterns include:
- Indirectly or directly talking about committing suicide is a major clue a suicidal individual is giving you. Most times, that is a scream for help, but we overlook this. Most people talk about suicide directly or indirectly within the weeks and months before they take their lives, though not necessarily at the moment at which they are about to act,” says Jill Harkavy-Friedman. They can indirectly say 'I wish I was never born' or 'what will you do if I take my life' etc.
- Behavioural changes: certain behavioural changes can be pegged to being suicidal especially when this behaviour is connected to pain (to self or even others) or loss of possessions (example; extreme carelessness with valuables, little or no care to possessions acquired by them).
- Increased substance abuse: increase intake of substances like alcohol or drug use is also a give away sign.
- Interest in things connected to Suicide- like searching online for materials or means to kill themselves.
- Acting recklessly.
- Being aggressive.
- Withdrawing from social gathering and isolating themselves.
- Sleeping too much or too little.
- Calling or visiting to say goodbye.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Moods tied to suicidal thoughts include depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability and anxiety.
Steps you can take to help someone with Suicide intention
- Be a good Listener: What some people with suicidal intentions need is just someone to talk to, someone who will give them the time to pour out their burden to, someone who will not judge them.
- Show Care: This is one of the most important thing ever, let them know you care about them.
- Do not promise to be confidential, because in the process of seeking for help (from mental health professionals)you may have to break your promise.
- Do not Argue with Them: it is important that you aren't confrontational in your approach, also, avoid sayings things like: "You have so much to live for," "This will hurt your family," or “Look on the bright side.”
- Encourage positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and getting out in the sun or into nature for at least 30 minutes each day. Exercise is also extremely important as it releases endorphins, relieves stress, and promotes emotional well-being.
- Remove potential means of suicide, such as pills, knives, razors, wires ropes or firearms. If the person is likely to take an overdose, keep medications locked away or give out only as the person needs them.
- Stay in touch with the person, periodically checking in or dropping by.
- When a friend or family is suffering from depression or anxiety, don't just sit back and assume that they will snap out of it, open a conversation with them (such as “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Is everything OK?”), Listen to their story and express care, ask if they’ve thought about hurting themselves or ending their life (Asking about suicide will not put ideas in someone’s head or make them suicidal, she adds. Instead, asking “will most likely will provide relief.”-Jill).
- “When someone is reaching out to you in intense pain, telling them they’ll be ‘just fine’ is not helpful,” Rowe says. And don’t debate or bargain, she adds, or say “I think it’ll be better. Let’s just wait.”
- Certain mental health conditions increase the risk that a person might try to take his or her own life. These conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and types of personality and anxiety disorders. At this point, it is important that you help the person find help.
- Get social supports, bringing together people with similar problems, situations etc.
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