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Suicide Prevention 

Giving life another chance

Image by Eva Blue

Suicide

  • A one time act. Leaving behind the pain of a lifetime.

  • Suicide in itself it is a complex phenomenon that involves a combination of psychological and social factors.

  • A person dies by suicide every 40 seconds.

Warning Signs

  • Previous attempt

  • Noticeable change in sleeping / eating patterns

  • Withdrawing from loved ones & previously enjoyable activities

  • Significant & frequent mood swings

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

  • Looking for ways to kill oneself

  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose in life

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Giving away prized possessions

Image by Danie Franco
Image by Ivan Jevtic

How to Help

  • Respecting & maintaining healthy boundaries

  • Support & listen

  • Communicate & validate

  • Flexibility & openness

  • Life skills education - critical thinking, decision making, mental health education, dealing with pressure & expectation

  • Learning support skills

  • Responsible media reporting

  • Battling mental health stigma

  • Making mental health services approachable

Reach out.. Even when it seems pointless

Being a mental health professional makes little difference when I find a precious one wishing they were dead. It is overwhelming, and makes me feel helpless just the same. But I see the strength in them. Letting go, ending their life and freeing themselves of their suffering is tempting, it’s even soothing for some. It’s the trapped corner for others. Despite all this, despite the pain to live on, I know precious ones who live on. They fight the thought to commit suicide every second of the day. They overwhelm themselves with work to distract from the pull of ending things. They keep going on, for others, for their principles, and for themselves. It is the most challenging thing, to keep going on. And I want to tell everyone who is struggling, that they are the strongest of us all. There is help. You deserve help. You are owed peace. Reach out even when it seems pointless. You’re doing so much already, reaching out is just one more thing, and you will be heard.

Image by Priscilla Du Preez

Video Resources

How Can We Help?

Understanding Depression & Suicide

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