The World Health Organization estimates that one million people worldwide commit suicide every year. What drives so many people to kill themselves? It’s difficult for those who aren’t suffering from suicidal depression and despair to understand what drives so many people to commit suicide. A suicidal person, on the other hand, is in so much pain that they see no other way out. Suicide is a serious public health issue because it is the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34.
A recent stressor or sudden catastrophic event, failure, can leave people feeling desperate, unable to see a way out, and become a “tipping point” toward suicide in some cases.
The complexities of suicide are highlighted in a recent CDC report. While many people have a mental health condition, the report notes that “many factors contribute to suicide among those with and without known mental health conditions.” Suicide was most often caused by a relationship problem and problematic substance use.
Suicide is linked to mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is the strongest risk factor for suicide. According to the CDC, 54% of people who died by suicide had no known mental health conditions. But a lot of them might have been struggling with mental health issues that nobody knew about or had not yet received a diagnosis.
The CDC report recommends a thorough public health approach to prevent suicide and identifies a number of strategies that states and communities can implement, including actions like teaching coping and problem-solving skills to help people manage challenges, expanding options for temporary assistance for those in need, and connecting people at risk to efficient and coordinated mental and physical health care.
What to do if you’re worried about a friend or loved one? Here are five recommendations from the CDC:
- Ask a question “Do you have any thoughts of committing suicide?” Despite possible reluctance, research demonstrates the value of this.
- Keep them protected. Limit access to dangerous objects or locations.
- Join them there. Pay close attention as you listen and acknowledge your feelings.
- Aid their communication. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by phone or text.
- Maintain contact. After a crisis, follow up and stay in touch.
How To Stop Suicidal Thoughts And How To Prevent Suicide?
The first step in preventing suicide is to be aware of and take warning signs seriously. If you suspect a friend or family member is suicidal, there are several things you can do to help save a life.
- Bolster the stability of household finances
- Reduce the lack of medical professionals in underserved areas
- Reduce the availability of deadly weapons to those who are at suicide risk.
- Encourage interconnectedness through peer-review programs and activities that engage the community.
- Instilling coping and problem-solving techniques.
- Lessen damage and reduce risk in the future
- Treat people to prevent re-attempts
- Teach parenting skills and family relationship programs
Get help because you are not alone in this journey of life.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Rahman Khan, MD ( Psychiatrist)