It’s time we stopped whispering about suicide and start doing something about it, particularly in the area of suicide prevention. An estimated 1 million people worldwide die by suicide every year and experts expect that global annual suicide fatalities could rise by over 1.5 million.
Globally, suicide ranks among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15–44, and it has become something we no longer need to remain sentimental or insensitive about. We all need to do our part in supporting those around us who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s not enough to just talk about it, we need to get practical as someone’s life might depend on this someday.
Here are some suicide prevention tips you need to know…
.
#1. Break the barrier
On a hot Saturday afternoon, everyone at the salon seemed to be talking about a young girl who had just committed suicide. “She was selfish.” “Why didn’t she think about the pain she’ll cause her loved ones?” “This isn’t a black man’s sickness. She had been watching too many Hollywood movies,” “She’ll go to hell, too bad.”
These are the kind of insensitive statements you most likely hear. Rather than this, take a different approach and let them know it’s okay to feel this way and help is available. A person struggling with a mental health issue shouldn’t also deal with the stigma. Let’s talk about it more and sensitize everyone within our circle of influence. One way you can help prevent suicide is to communicate by letting the about-to-be victims know they’re loved and have a supportive community in good or bad times.
.
#2. Empathy
One of the ways you can help prevent suicide is to empathize with a person who feels suicidal. An individual with suicidal tendencies tends to feel trapped, worthless, and/or defeated. A life void of hope is dangerous because there’s no motivation to wake up in the morning. When you understand that a person struggling with suicidal thoughts isn’t selfish or attention-seeking, but is sick and only seeks to end the misery, empathy will naturally surface from within you.
#3. Listen
Perchance a person struggling with suicidal thoughts decides to open up and speak, listen to them no matter how ridiculous you think they sound. Whatever the struggle is, it’s important to take notes, listen and then reaffirm your love for them. It takes a lot of courage to speak up at those times, which should be seen as a cry for help. If not handled well, the person might go further into a shell.
.
#4. Get professional help
There are times when you try to reach a loved one, but they’re far gone, slipping farther and farther away. Instead of throwing in the towel or getting upset, you should reach out to a mental health professional for help. This person could guide you on what to do or relate directly with the individual in question.
.
#5. Take a training course
One way you can help prevent suicide is to take courses on mental health and suicide awareness. There may be programs around you both in-person and virtual, but if it’s not something that could fit into your schedule, at least try educating yourself about the signs of suicide and how to respond in case it happens to someone close to you.
This would help reduce the ever-growing statistics. Whether you realize it or not, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in this world. Somebody out there can benefit from your unique talents and gifts.
.
This is what suicide survivors on Healthline wish you knew
- “Your life is precious. Even if you feel very ****ty right now, you will not feel like that forever. Don’t deny yourself the time and opportunity to get better.”— Jamie W.
- “Life can and will get better. You’re not alone; there are so many people going through very bad times and people who care about you. Sometimes it seems like a ‘bad life,’ but living is worth it. Seek help, find new hobbies, learn to live again, and enjoy little things, cause there’s only one opportunity, and it is oh so sad to waste it ending this life. Please, don’t do it. I promise again. It will get better!— Monica D.
- “It doesn’t necessarily get easier, and you just get stronger and better at managing and coping with what you’re diagnosed with.”— Hollyn D.
“If you’re looking for a sign not to go ahead with killing yourself, this is it right here. You are stronger than you know, don’t give up.” —Style Rave.
For the latest in fashion, lifestyle and culture, follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_
This is a Style Rave original content specially created for our readers. This content or any original content on Style Rave may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used by any other publishing house or blogs, except with the prior written permission of STYLE RAVE. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
