According
to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability
worldwide. Many of the signs of depression and indicators of suicidal thinking are similar and can include:
·
Expressing
self-hatred
·
Intense
emotional distress, such as hopelessness, guilt, shame, abandonment
·
Unable
to enjoy pleasures in life
·
Changes
in eating, sleeping and personality
·
Preoccupation
with death
·
Self-destructive
thoughts and actions
·
Substance
abuse
Someone
considering suicide may verbalize the following:
·
“You
would be/the world would be better off without me.”
·
“I’m
a complete loser.”
·
“I’d
be better off dead,” and/or “I want to die.”
·
“I won’t be bothering anyone for much longer.”
·
“I
hate my life.”
…and do
the following:
·
Give
away possessions
·
Say
good-by to family and friends
·
Start
“making arrangements”
People
who are considering suicide are focused on one thing: ending their pain. If depression has impaired their thinking, they
are not reflecting on how their death may impact others, nor are they capable
of thinking through logical solutions or making changes. Depression distorts
reality. It produces an extreme sense of hopelessness from which a person sees
no escape. Humiliation and despair overtake the mind. They build to a point where
the person becomes so overwhelmed, he or she is desperate for the pain to end.
If
you suspect someone—say, your sister—has arrived at this point in her mind,
there are things you can do and say to help her before it’s too late.
·
Do
not leave her alone. Reassure her of your love and support.
·
Try
to get her to agree to seek immediate help—or call 911.
·
Be
sure she does not have access to guns, medications or other items she may use
to hurt herself.
·
Start
a conversation! Talking about suicidal thinking will not encourage her to commit the act.
·
Listen
to what she has to say without judgment! Do not try to quickly talk her into feeling
better or telling her “things aren’t that bad.” Establish a genuine sense of
empathy and understanding.
·
Gently
remind her that her thoughts may be distorted—and although her situation is very painful, there is hope for a solution.
Depression
and other factors leading to suicidal desperation can be successfully addressed
and treated. Want to learn more? Register now for Soul Shop.
Resources:
Linda
and Charlie Bloom – September 10, 2013
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