Suicide Prevention Month

The consciousness of one’s self is starting to get devoured by the cynical’s delusions, affecting the person’s sanity, which he can’t unswervingly anticipate. Although this individual acts like everything is alright, behind its motions are full of bleakness. Of course, people are more knowledgeable about the word “depression”. So many sequels and repercussions this ailment has, doesn’t it?

On behalf of APEC Amplify, to acknowledge and contribute towards the events of our society, Suicide Prevention Month is commemorated from September 10 to 16. The overall goal of this article is to raise awareness about suicide prevention worldwide. It’s objectives includes promoting stakeholder collaboration and self-empowerment to address self-harm and suicide through preventative action.

It now more closely conforms to the young due to tension, trauma, anxiety, overwhelm, stress, abuse, grief, and more reasons why mental contagion occurred to them. They tend to do vexatious things towards their being. Though they’re trying to conceal this affliction that they are encountering, they can unveil these emotions when they are unaccompanied whilst bearing this weight that they’re elevating from their shoulders. Keeping every pessimistic word in their minds up until it engulfs them bit by bit, it’s displeasing and incapacitating to see teenagers end their lives without seeking help, thinking this could end their difficulties in life. Every parent doesn’t like this and will never get through this, of course. It will haunt them throughout their lifetime on how their children passed in such a disturbing way.

According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

Surmising this article, “Depression” is not a joke. It is affecting almost half of the population in our society, or maybe even ‘more’ than half of the population. Always let someone feel and acknowledge that you’re always there, whether they’re your family, friends, or significant other, supporting their backs while they are encountering hard impediments in their lives and reminding them that they do not need to be perfect in life. What matters in life is that you know to yourself that you are creating your own harmonious life. It could be messy or neat, wild or calm, elegant or simple, as long as you know to yourself that you are making countless limits towards your prosperity.

Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideation

Some serious indicators of suicidal ideation can range from verbal cues to changes in behaviors.

Voicing suicidal ideations

The following comments should be given close attention:

• “ I’m going to end it all”

• “I’m going to kill myself”

• “I wish I were dead”

• “I just can’t go on”

• “People would be better off without me”

• “I can’t take it anymore”

• “You won’t have to worry about me anymore”

Behavioral changes including creating a plan

If someone is talking about suicide, whether directly or indirectly, it’s important to address it and it should be taken seriously.

Behavioral changes can suggest someone is coming with a plan to harm themselves and having suicidal thoughts.

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms to look out for:

Physical:

• Skipping school, getting lower grades

• Restlessness or difficulty concentrating

• Drinking or using drugs

• Quitting sports

• Changes in appetite or sleep pattern

Emotional and mental:

• Withdrawal from others and loneliness

• Feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt

• Loss of interest in friends and activities that they normally enjoy

• Persistent sadness, anxiousness or irritability

• Self harming

• Taking risks they wouldn't normally take

Reaching out to help someone having suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing these warning signs, you may have to reach out to a doctor or reach out to your close friends or loved ones. But when you suspect someone is considering suicide, the best thing that can be done is to ask them directly and converse with them genuinely; it needs to be empathetic and compassionate with your full attention while listening for the reason that it relieves their anxiety because now they can talk about it. They just want to be listened to and know that they’re heard.

The following sayings are example of things they would like to hear:

• “I care about you”

• “I want to understand”

• “I’m here, and I want to help you"

• “You are not alone”

Once someone opens up to you about how they’re feeling, do not be afraid to ask questions about their plans, spend time with them, and let them express themselves. Then, start to introduce resources and encourage them to speak with a knowledgeable professional. Let them know that you support them, don’t leave them alone, and ensure that they’re doing better.

Written by : Mychaella Graceseashelle Cabales & Justin Aemon Berdos