Be Free From Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide is a complex event precipitated by several cultural, sociological, interpersonal, or philosophical factors. Even so, it is presently accepted that suicide is always preceded by "pain of the mind" intensely felt by the individual. At that point in his life the person contemplating suicide feels more pain that he can handle.
If there is a way to alleviate the underlying mental pain, the individual will spring back to active life. Most suicidal people can be helped in getting through their moment of crisis if they have someone who will spend time with them, listen, take them seriously and help them talk about their thoughts and feelings.
We believe that every person contemplating suicide should be given a chance to work things out.
1-Myth: People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide
Fact: The majority of people who attempt suicide do or say something to express their intention before they act. Statements like, "I wish I was dead" or "You'll be sorry when I'm gone," are likely.
2-Myth: Suicide happens without warning
Fact: Suicidal persons give many clues and warnings - both verbal and non-verbal - regarding their suicidal intentions
3-Myth: Suicidal people are fully intent on dying. Nothing can stop them
Fact: Even the most severely depressed person has ambivalent feelings about suicide. Suicidal people do not want to die; they just want their pain to end. If allowed to explore their feelings, with empathy and acceptance, without intruding into their dignity, most suicidal people feel that their pain is lessened. In time, suicidal feelings might dissipate and the person returns to active life.
4-Myth: Suicidal individuals are mentally ill
Fact: Most people undergoing suicidal feelings are healthy individuals. They may be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but are not necessarily suffering from mental illness.
5-Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea
Fact: Openly addressing the subject shows a willingness to help and is the first step towards providing help. Talking with someone about his or her suicidal feelings that were already there can lead to a lightening of painful thoughts. Self-destructive feelings, if absent, will NOT be introduced just by talking about suicide
· Someone who will listen. Someone who has the time, who will provide undivided attention in a non-critical manner without trying to advise or intrude.
· Someone who can be trusted, who will treat him/her with dignity and maintain confidentiality
· Someone who will offer empathetic and unconditional friendship.
What a Suicidal person does not need:
· Advice: No one likes to be lectured about his/her own life.
· Criticism. Harsh judgmental attitudes can only make matters worse.
· Intrusion: A curiosity to know more than what the person wants to talk about.
"Warning Signs" - Clues to Suicidal Behaviour
People with suicidal intent often let others know about their thoughts in various ways. Behavioural, verbal or non-verbal.
· Changes in personality: sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, and apathetic.
· Changes in behaviour: Loss of concentration in everyday work, less energetic, exhausted.
· Changes in sleep pattern: Fatigue, insomnia, frequent nightmares
· Changes in eating habits: Loss of appetite or overeating
· Sudden loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies or activities previously enjoyed
· Anxiety about money, health or dependant relatives.
· Appearing to be losing control over life, going crazy, harming self or others
· Different from normal ways - easily given to tears or unusually cheerful.
· Undue haste in tidying up pending affairs (making a will, taking out insurance, clearing debts)
Verbal Clues:
· Expressing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
· Describing life or self as worthless, a failure.
· Unable to perceive hope in life - no aspirations about future.
· Expressions of guilt, shame and loss of self-esteem.
· Frequent references to futility of life, death or suicide.
Circumstances
Suicidal risk is greater when an individual is facing unhappy situations such as:
· Recent loss or break-up of a close relationship (death, divorce, separation, quarrels)
· Disappointments in career or financial status (sudden illness, loss of job, failures, debts)
· Perception of being threatened (legal actions, physical attacks)
· Sudden / painful / prolonged / disabling illness (mental or physical)
· Dependency on alcohol or other drugs.
· History of earlier suicidal behaviour.
· History of suicide in family.
Services offered:
Vivekanantha Psychological Counselling Centre & Homoeo clinic
Offers emotional support to persons undergoing emotional distress, who may be in imminent danger of taking their own lives.
Services can be accessed by:
Telephone Call (9786901830) only on emergency-except 10pm to 7.ooam Daily
http://guidancecounseling.blogspot.com/
