Table of contents:
- What are the signs that someone has the potential to commit suicide?
- Prevent it with a personal approach
You may know that a year or two ago, there were several international actors who died because they took their own lives or committed suicide. For example, Robin Williams, who we know as an actor who always smiles and is fun, turned out to be so depressed that he decided to commit suicide in August 2014.
Yes, depression is indeed one of the highest risk factors that cause a person to end his life. The World Health Organization (WHO) even said in 2015 that around the world there are 40 people committing suicide every second! Depression is one of the causes, ranging from work pressure, education pressure, to economic problems and poverty in developing countries.
In Indonesia itself, based on WHO data in 2012, as quoted Compass, the suicide rate is 4.3 per 100,000 population. Based on police reports in the same year, there were 981 cases of suicide deaths reported. This figure does not include suicides that are not reported to the police because many families in Indonesia consider suicide as a disgrace that must be covered up.
What are the signs that someone has the potential to commit suicide?
If you have friends, relatives, relatives, or maybe a partner (and possibly an ex) who is depressed and has suicidal symptoms, don't let it be. You may be able to comfort him or get him out of his depression. There are several signs that people are suicidal or planning to end their life, namely:
- Always talking or thinking about death.
- Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, difficulty sleeping and eating) that gets worse over time.
- Have a "hope to die", are often reckless and do things that risk causing death, such as speeding on the road or running red lights.
- Losing interest in something that he was passionate about.
- Often said that his life was ruined, that there was no hope, that he could not help anything, and that he was useless.
- Give up easily, fickle desires.
- Often says things like "It would be better if I weren't around," or "I just want to die."
- Suddenly, he unexpectedly went from being very sad to very calm and happy.
- Talking about suicide or killing someone.
- Meet or call friends and family to say goodbye.
It is a good idea to focus your attention on the people whose gestures show the warning signs above, especially if the person has attempted suicide before. Based on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as quoted WebMD, Between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have previously planned suicide.
Prevent it with a personal approach
If you have colleagues, friends, relatives, lovers, or family who are showing signs of suicidal thoughts, you can take several personal approaches. But you have to be serious and really take care of the person. Listen to what he has to say. Take the initiative to ask about his plans, but don't try to argue with him about his suicide decision. Let the person know that you care and understand, and that you are listening to their complaints. Avoid statements like, "You have many reasons to stay alive."
If you meet a person who is depressed and talks about suicide, makes suicidal movements, or is planning suicide, treat it as an emergency. Listen to the person, but don't try to argue with them. Seek immediate help from professional officers such as police, psychiatrists, or doctors.
Depressed people commit suicide more frequently. Depression is a serious illness. Several studies have shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays an important role in the neurobiology of suicide. Researchers found low levels of serotonin in the brain tissue and cerebrospinal acid of suicidal people.
In addition, suicidal tendencies also run in the family. Remember, any talk of suicide should serve as a warning sign. Immediately take the person who is contemplating suicide to a professional who can help.
