Let's talk about suicide prevention! 07-09-2020
By: Gabriela Ochoa
Depression is one of the most common conditions in cases of suicide attempts; but I want to clarify that not all those who have tried to commit suicide are or were depressed; disorders such as schizophrenia could also be present in these cases, for example. There are many more people suffering from depression than we can imagine fighting this battle in silence. It is so common that many people use it colloquially (“I'm blue”) to describe feeling a downturn or sadness. But depression goes beyond feeling sad.
For some it feels like a deep sadness, of prolonged time, that consumes and clouds all the positive that can be in their lives. It also manifests itself as apathy, disconnection, low energy, demotivation and loss of desire to do things they previously enjoyed, although in others it manifests itself with irritability or excesses. In an attempt to help their loved ones, friends and family incite the person to "do their part" and may feel frustrated when the person is anchored and immobile, But we must also understand that for the depressed person not being able to do anything to "help themselves" is much more frustrating, because we are not talking about a slump or a different mood, we are talking about a chemical imbalance in clinical cases, a prolonged sadness that consumes and makes the person lose himself. It is a disease that makes the person feel isolated, disconnected, and yes, very sad. (Click here to read about the difference between sadness and depression).
If the patient is seeking help from a professional on time, we can help them get their lives back and manage their depression, but what if they don't identify them on time? What if no one notices? Have you heard of the popularly called “sad clown syndrome”? Perhaps the most well-known and recent example was the case of comedian Robin Williams, a man whom many of us remember fondly for his so endearing roles in which he brought us joy. However, Williams suffered from depression in silence. and ultimately killed himself<./p> T
his word, “suicide” to many can be scary or angry; it is difficult for a person with a healthy emotional and mental state to imagine taking their own life. That's when we need more understanding, more accompaniment. It is time for us to provide the same care and understanding to people suffering from a mental illness as we show to people who have a physical illness.
So how can you help?
Talk more about it!, share information from trusted sources (such as websites or network accounts of mental health professionals). In the direct case with family and friends, sometimes the best gift you can give her is simply to listen to them, without judgment. To your loved ones, let them know that you love them and that they are worth a lot no matter what condition they are in the moment. You can ask the person what they need, how they would like you to accompany them, and respect their integrity as a person. Never ignore suicide threats by understanding that it is a melodrama of the person, do not invalidate their feelings, avoid phrases such as "that is nothing, do not exaggerate", "you will not solve anything by crying", If you feel worried, you can ask them to make an appointment with a mental health professional and if you want, you can offer to accompany them. Show him/her again and again that he/she is not alone.
One of the worst enemies to overcome on the subject of suicide is its invisibility, and the stigma that surrounds mental problems; this makes the person, many times, not feel the strength and not find the heat that allows him to ask for help.
Myths and realities about suicide
1-"He who commits suicide wants to kill himself". False. No one wants to die, let alone kill themselves, they want to stop suffering. No one who is happy commits suicide.
2-"Whoever does it doesn't say it and whoever says it does not do it". False. Many suicides are preceded by signs.
3- "Talking more about the subject will cause more suicides". False. Being informed, that family members and patients feel understood and helped, and that the issue allows awareness prevents suicide attempt.
4-"Everyone who commits suicide is depressed." Although every depressed person has the possibility of making a suicide attempt or a suicide, not all those who do present depressive symptoms. They may suffer from schizophrenia, alcoholism, etc.
Some links of interest on this topic:
Ten things parents can do to prevent suicide in their teenage child
Help us break that stigma, let's talk about mental health, share this post with your friends, family, in your network accounts... let's continue creating awareness.
