Suicide and why it is not the solution

Suicide and why it is not the solution Understanding & Prevention Aprajita Anand Mandrekar BSW, PGDC in Counselling

So what is Suicide? • Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. • Suicide is an attempt to solve a problem of intense emotional pain with impaired problem-solving skills which is mostly self-harm. • Suicide means ending your own life. It is sometimes a way for people to escape pain or suffering.

Suicide FACTS • More than 800, 000 people worldwide commit suicide each year -- more than 135, 000 each year in INDIA. • Every Hour, one student commits suicide in INDIA. • 12, 000 farmers commit suicide every year. • Over 5 people commit suicide in GOA every week. • GOA has the highest suicide death percentage in India.

People who die by suicide don’t give warning signs. Talking about suicide might give someone the idea to do it. It’s mostly young men who die by Suicide. L L A E R A E S E TH Majority of suicides are among poor classes. Only severely depressed people commit suicide. People who talk about suicide are just attention -seekers S H T Y M People serious about suicide can’t be helped.

Who can commit suicide? ANYONE!

Why do people commit Suicide?

Why do people commit Suicide? • Depression due to a sudden incident in life is the top risk factor. e. g. Breakup in relationship, Money loss, Struggle, Death of a loved one, etc.

Why do people commit Suicide? • Shame: fear of public humiliation, specially under pressure of family, society or both. e. g: Failing in Exam, Bullying by others, Physical abuse, etc.

Why do people commit Suicide? • Mental Health Disorders that can contribute to suicide. e. g. : bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, hearing voices, suicidal thoughts, etc.

Is Suicide – a disease? • About 90 % of people who commit suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. • 25% of suicides in Goa are due to depression, stress and frustration. • Most of the suicidal people are lonely and in need of attention.

Is your Attitude Right? DENIAL SECRECY AVOIDANCE HELPFULNESS ACCEPTANCE OPENESS

Is your Attitude Right? • Does any of does Attitudes apply to you? • How does the word ‘suicide’ make you feel? Write it down in a few words. Activity 1

Recognizing & Responding to early signs of suicide.

Do you know the warning signs of suicide? 1. Talking about wanting to die or to Kill themselves. 2. Looking for ways to kill themselves such as searching online or buying poison or weapon. 3. Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live. 4. Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain. 5. Talking about being a burden to others. 6. Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.

Do you know the warning signs of suicide? 7. Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly. 8. Sleeping too little or too much but still not fresh. 9. Withdrawing or isolating themselves. 10. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge painfully. 11. Displaying extreme mood swings. 12. Giving away all her/his belongings and making peace suddenly. 13. Threaten that they will commit suicide.

Recognize the patterns 1. I wish I was dead. 2. Let’s show him what we got. 3. All my problems will end at once. 4. No one can help me now. 5. I believe God will help me out of my problems. 6. I won’t be needing these things anymore 7. My time is limited so please listen. Activity 2

Recognize the patterns 1. I wish I was dead. 2. Let’s show him what we got. 3. All my problems will end at once. 4. No one can help me now. 5. I believe God will help me out of my problems. 6. I won’t be needing these things anymore 7. My time is limited so please listen.

Do you or anyone you know feels or says like this?

What to do when the tendencies match? 1. ASK – ask directly if he/she is trying to self-inflict harm/ kill herself/himself. 2. CARE – Show that you care. Ask questions that show you are concerned about them. 3. Get HELP - Suggest going to a therapist, common friend, doctor. 4. Do not judge Listen intently. 5. Talk calmly Avoid use of harsh tone.

ASK • Have courage to ask the question but with calmness. • Be direct, but non-confrontational. Engage them: • Are you thinking about suicide? • What thoughts or plans do you have? • Are you thinking about harming yourself, ending your life? • How long have you been thinking about suicide? • Have you thought about how you would do it? • Do you have _____ (Insert means, weapon, etc. ) • Do you really want to die, or do you want the pain to go away?

CARE • Actively listen to show understanding and produce relief. • I am listening. I am worried about you. I care about you. • Do you have a therapist/doctor? • Are you seeing him/her? • Are you taking your medications? • Remove / take away any harmful things around the person. • Calmly control the situation. Don’t use force.

GET HELP • Do not leave the person alone • Know referral resources • Reassure the person • Encourage the person to participate in the helping process • Encourage the suicidal person to identify other people in their lives who can also help. • Outline a safety plan: Make arrangements for the helper to come to you OR take the person directly to the source of help. Once therapy (or hospitalization) is initiated, be sure the suicidal person is following through with appointments and medications.

If you are feeling suicidal…

If you are feeling suicidal… - Ending your life is not a solution. It creates more problems. - It hurts your family and loved ones. It devastates them. - Go to a counsellor, close friend or at least speak to suicide helpline. COOJ: Call : 0832 -2252525 - National Helpline AASRA (24/7 helpline) Call: 022 -27546669 or 022 -27546667

Even if you feel Hopeless, there is Hope ü We are only human – nobody is perfect. ü Meditate, Exercise. Be with people you feel great with. ü Count your blessings. ü Motivate yourself. Those who try never fail. ü People can — and do — recover even from the darkest, most frightening places a mind can go. ü All the people who wanted to attempt suicide but were rescued/survived are thankful for not doing it and state it was their greatest mistake.

THANK YOU