Anxiety and depression are the leading mental illnesses that are widespread in the world today. With all the work stress, meeting the social and personal requirements of the so-called society is taking a toll on how people feel about themselves and has been increasing invariably in the past few years.
The most important thing to address here is the ignorance and lack of information people have about mental health in general. For example, a person suffering from depression does not even know that he/she is going through it. Girls having PMDD do not even think beyond PMS because that is what they know.
Although it is a very serious issue, it is highly possible that it is temporary and can be treated too. People who suffer from depression or extensive stress are at the risk of suicidal thoughts and it is very common too. Having said that it is also important to consider that things can go out of hands so much so that the suicide is completed.
People experiencing suicidal thoughts usually do not carry it for a long time but there are good chances of suicide attempts which could be very dangerous. It is important that these people reach out for help and take measures to protect themselves.
Some fast facts about suicidal ideation
- A majority of the people who have suicidal thoughts or ideation do not end up completing the suicide.
- The major causes of suicidal thoughts are anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse.
- A family history of mental illnesses are also a considerable cause for suicidal ideation.
Symptoms Of Suicidal Thoughts
The following are the symptoms that will help you assess whether a person is having suicidal ideation.
The feeling of hopelessness
A person having suicidal thoughts is likely to have a feeling of hopelessness or a feeling of being trapped. This could be a job, relationship or any situation that is very impactful in their life. Both personal and professional hopelessness could lead to suicidal thoughts.
A very crucial and dangerous outcome of this feeling is the consumption of alcohol or taking in drugs at a level that is way above the normal intake of the individual. They also tend to feel like a burden on other people ad constantly talk about this feeling of theirs.
The Feeling Of Unbearable Emotional Pain
The next set of symptoms noticed are emotionally unbearable pain. This makes them be more isolated and stay away from socialization and connecting with people. The high level and agitated anxiety levels make them feel the pain ten times more than usual.
They are hence not able to control their hurtful feelings and find it very hard to experience any pleasurable emotions that normally bring pleasure like eating, social interaction or sex.
The Mental Symptoms
Mentally a lot of symptoms can be assessed but only by the victim themselves. Anxiety and depression as mentioned before are the most common ones to look for. Apart from these, panic attacks and impaired concentration towards routine things are also seen.
These conditions lead them to perform risky activities like driving too fast or taking in excess of anything that could cause harm like drugs or sleeping pills. Basically, they feel numb about everything and just want to get rid of everything that is causing them this pain and depression.
They also tend to have psychomotor agitation like wringing one’s hands, constantly changing clothes, or constantly pacing around the room.
Behavioural Changes
Extreme mood swings can be noticed in people having suicidal thoughts. They tend to be happy suddenly and all of a sudden feel sad about things. This is mainly because they are very secretive about their feelings on suicide and do not want anyone to know about it. But it anyways tends to appear to everyone eventually.
Their feelings towards violence, dying and death can be noticed at a very self-evident level. They tend to be interested in knowing the ways to die, harm themselves or plan a suicide. The words they speak depicts shame, guilt or revenge for some past actions they did or was done against them.
A lot of changes can be seen in their daily routine, sleeping patterns and overall personality which could be very strange. After all, when you have known someone for a long time and they change their behaviour all of a sudden, it is very strange and requires attention.
Verbal Symptoms
People having suicidal thoughts make it very evident sometimes. They tend to talk too much about suicide and talk to people around as though it is their last day. They tend to say goodbye to everyone as though it is the last time they will be meeting.
Talking about dying or suicide and expressing regrets about being born or being alive is also very common with people having suicidal thoughts. At the outset, it looks like they are just joking around or are just saying these things in sadness but it is important to consider these signs and take action accordingly.
Causes Of Suicidal Thoughts
The underlying and major cause of suicidal thoughts is the feeling of not being able to cope with an overwhelming situation. A variety of overwhelming situations could likely be financial problems, a broken relationship, a devastating or incurable illness or the death of a loved one.
Some other situations like sexual harassment, unemployment or extreme grief could also cause these suicidal thoughts.
Since all the causes are mostly situation based and could be severe depending on the individual, it is really hard to list down the causes of suicidal thoughts. But a broad picture can be drawn and the following some other instances that could lead to suicidal thoughts –
- A family history of psychological well-being issues
Quarrelling over trifling issues, and causing personal harm in order to overcome hardships through substance etc. can be witnessed in certain families. Children exposed to this delicate atmosphere often succumb to such steps in their personal lives instead of facing the problems and fixing the root cause of it. Giving up on life appears to be the easiest way to escape from situations.
- A sentiment of detachment or dejection
Overcoming detachment or dejection can be extremely painful for some people. To let go isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. When people who are too attached to others emotionally, a feeling of detachment can toss their world apart and can fill them with suicidal thoughts.
- Being in the LGBTQ community with no family or home help
LGBTQ, although has been granted legal status in this country but will take a lot of time to be accepted socially. Being in the LGBTQ community with no family can prove to be dangerous. Although the law forbids any crime and protects the rights of the people belonging to this community, still the feeling of not being able to get accepted socially can be depressing and alarming for people who are constantly picked on by people for being different.
- Being affected by liquor or drugs
Drug and alcohol abuse is nefarious. It consumes a person to the extent that they end up destroying themselves completely. Absence of rehabs and emotional support can be dangerous. Too much of consumption causes liver damages and dysfunctioning of internal organs leading to mental and psychological issues and even death.
- Knowing, recognizing, or being related to somebody who has ended it all
Influence can be overpowering at times, especially when the outcome of a decision is irrevocable. People often get influenced with powerful things and ending life albeit sounds stupid insanity, but acts as the ultimate escape in lethal times. In such a scenario if there has been a past influence, then people might admire it as a decision.
Some clinically identified conditions that could probe a higher risk of suicidal ideation include –
- Major depressive disorder
Depression is a disorder in mood causing a repetitive feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also known as clinical depression, it can affect how you feel and can lead to emotional and physical problems. Life turns upside down and nothing feels lively. This if not checked can tantamount to suicidal intentions.
- Social anxiety disorder
Also known as social phobia, a social anxiety disorder can be challenging. Being surrounded by people and having to perform and give presentations and even involve socially often gives tremors to the victim. In such a scenario, if the person experiences situations that are mocking and embarrassing, he might end up getting suicidal tendencies.
- Generalized anxiety disorder
People facing this disorder often face challenges in living their daily life with ease. They are too consumed by their worries about health, work, finances, etc. The feeling of failing in life and letting others down can consume such people mentally and they might get suicidal thoughts due to their inefficiency of coping up with their problems.
What Can Be Done?
If you know anybody who you think might be getting the symptoms of suicidal thoughts, the following are the things you can do.
Avoidance
Family and friends usually see through an individual’s talks or conduct that they could be in danger. They can help by conversing with the individual and by looking for proper help, for instance, from a specialist.
Asking Them If They Are Contemplating Suicide.
Studies demonstrate that asking does not expand the hazard. Guarding them by remaining around and expelling methods for ending it all, for example, blades, where conceivable
Tuning In To Them And Being There For Them
Urging them to call a helpline or reaching somebody the individual may go to for help, for instance, a companion, relative, or otherworldly tutor could be of great help.
Catching up with them after the emergency has gone, also has been helpful to diminish the danger of a repeat.
Different other keeping some crisis telephone numbers within reach, for instance, confided in companion, a helpline, and the individual’s primary care physician.
Suicide Prevention
On the off chance that you know somebody at an impending danger of self-harm, suicide, or harming someone else, you can try the following steps –
- Remain with the individual until expert assistance arrives.
- Evacuate any weapons, drugs, or other possibly unsafe articles.
- Tune in to the individual without judgment.
On the off chance that you or somebody you know is having considerations of suicide, an aversion hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is accessible 24 hours per day at +91 22 2754 6669.
Treatment For Individuals Who Are In Danger Of Suicide
Treatment will rely upon the fundamental reason for somebody’s self-destructive musings and conduct. By and large, however, treatment comprises of talk treatment and drugs.
Lifestyle Changes
Apart from talk treatment and medication, the risk of suicide can once in a while be diminished by basically embracing certain solid habitual changes.
Avoiding liquor and drugs is basic, as these substances can bring down hindrances and may expand the hazard for suicide.
Practising at any rate three times each week, particularly outside and in moderate daylight, can likewise help. Physical movement invigorates the creation of certain cerebrum synthetics that make you feel more joyful and progressively loose.
It’s also critical to get enough quality sleep. Poor sleep patterns can make numerous psychological wellness symptoms much more terrible.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy, otherwise called psychotherapy, is one conceivable treatment strategy for bringing down your danger of committing suicide. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that is frequently utilized for individuals who are having thoughts of suicide.
Its motivation is to show you how to function through stressful and disheartening life situations and feelings that might contribute your self-destructive contemplations and behaviour. CBT can likewise support you suppress negative convictions with positive ones and recover a feeling of fulfilment and control in your life.
A comparable strategy, called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), may likewise be utilized.
Medications
In the event that discussion treatment isn’t sufficient to effectively lower chance, drugs might be recommended to ease side effects, for example, sadness and tension. Treating these manifestations can help decrease or dispense with self-destructive contemplations.
At least one of the accompanying sorts of drugs could be prescribed by the healthcare professional –
- antidepressants
- antipsychotic meds
- hostile to uneasiness prescriptions
Instructions To Counteract Self-destructive Thoughts
On the off chance that you’ve had self-destructive thoughts or feelings, don’t be embarrassed and don’t remain quiet about it. While a few people have self-destructive considerations with no aim of regularly following up on them, it’s still imperative to make some move.
To help keep these contemplations from repeating, there are a few things you can do.
Speak With Somebody
You ought to never attempt to oversee self-destructive emotions completely all alone. Getting proficient assistance and backing from friends and family can make it simpler to conquer any difficulties that are causing these sentiments.
Numerous associations and care groups can enable you to adapt to self-destructive considerations and perceive that suicide isn’t the most ideal approach to manage unpleasant life occasions. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an incredible asset.
Accept Prescriptions As Coordinated
You ought to never change your measurement or quit taking your prescriptions except if your medicinal services supplier guides you to do as such. Self-destructive emotions may repeat and you may encounter withdrawal indications in the event that you all of a sudden quit taking your drugs.
In case you’re having undesirable symptoms from the medicine you’re at present taking, talk with your supplier about changing to another.
Never Avoid An Arrangement
It’s imperative to keep all your treatment sessions and different arrangements. Staying with your treatment plan is the most ideal approach to manage self-destructive musings and conduct.
Focus On The Notice Signs
Work with your human services supplier or specialist to find out about the potential triggers for your self-destructive sentiments. This will enable you to perceive the indications of threat from the get-go and choose what steps to take early.
It can likewise inform relatives and companions concerning the signs so they can know when you may need assistance.
Avoid Any Access To Deadly Techniques Of Suicide
Dispose of any guns, blades, or genuine meds in the event that you stress that you may follow up on self-destructive considerations.
When it comes to suicide, the problem they have is so internally driven that they do not feel like talking to anybody about it and tend to pile up this feeling of theirs until they get the suicidal thought or ideation.
When a person is thinking about or planning suicide, that person is known to be having suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation. This thought could be a vague consideration ranging up to the detailed planning of committing this self-harming act.
