Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape from suffering that has become unbearable to someone. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness and isolation, a suicidal person cannot see any way of finding relief except through death.
World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. In Bangladesh, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people are dying by suicide. Suicide is an under-focused public health issue in Bangladesh. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem and the taboo in many societies to openly discuss it.
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is having suicidal thoughts, there is plenty you can do to help to save a life.
There are some misconceptions or myths about suicide which we should have clear idea to help the person in need:
- People who talk about suicide won’t really do it but the real fact is that almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Don’t ignore even indirect references to death or suicide.
- If someone is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them. But even a very severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, fluctuating between live to die.
- People who die by suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help but the factis that many people try to get help before attempting suicide.
Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions. If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention:
- by pointing out the alternatives;
- by showing that you care; and
- by getting a doctor or psychologist involved.
Major warning signs for suicide includes talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs.
Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult for anyone. But if you’re unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask. You cannot make a person suicidal by showing that you care. In fact, giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express his or her feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings, and may prevent a suicide attempt. It takes a lot of courage to help someone who is suicidal. Witnessing a loved one dealing with thoughts about ending his or her own life can stir up many difficult emotions. As you’re helping a suicidal person, do not forget to take care of yourself.
Write up by:
Ms. Niloy Hossain
B.Sc & M.Sc (Psychology) , University Of Dhaka
Psychologist ,Women Support Initiative Forum(WSIF)
