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By; Peace Adisa
The Reality of Suicide
Suicide is the act of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally. It is often a result of overwhelming emotional pain, hopelessness, and a perceived inability to cope with life’s challenges. Suicide can have a wide range of causes, however some typical risk factors include:
• Mental Health Disorders: Suicide risk can be greatly increased by depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues.
• Substance Abuse: Abuse of drugs or alcohol may increase impulsivity and have a role in suicidal ideas and behaviors.
• Traumatic Life Events: Suicidal thoughts can become more likely in response to traumatic life events, loss, or major life transitions like divorce, losing one’s job, or developing a chronic illness.
• Family History: An individual’s risk may also be raised by a family history of mental illness or suicide.
Understanding the warning signs of suicide can make it easier to spot when someone may be at risk and in need of help. Some common warning signs include:
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. And
• Looking for a way to do so
• Talking about feeling hopeless or purposeless
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or society
• Exhibiting sharp mood swings
• Giving away belongings
Case study: Emily’s Story
Emily, a 28-year-old marketing professional, seemed to have it all – a successful career, a loving family, and a wide circle of friends. However, behind her cheerful demeanor, Emily was struggling with depression and feelings of worthlessness.
Over time, Emily began to withdraw from her friends and family, frequently calling in sick to work and avoiding social events. She started to give away her belongings and began researching methods of suicide online. Despite her outward success, Emily felt increasingly stuck and depressed.
One evening, a concerned friend reached out to Emily and encouraged her to seek help. With the support of her friend and family, Emily began therapy and started taking medication for depression. Today, Emily’s emotional state has improved and she’s grateful for the support that helped her through her darkest times.
Preventing Suicide: What Can You Do?
If you suspect that someone you know may be at risk of suicide, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Talk to Them: Express your concerns in a caring and non-judgmental manner. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them.
2. Encourage Professional Help: Urge them to seek help from a mental health professional or counselor. Offer to help them find resources and make appointments if needed.
3. Remove Means: If you believe someone is at immediate risk, help them remove access to lethal means such as firearms or medications.
4. Remain in Touch: Keep in touch with them and extend your assistance. Inform them that they are not alone and that help is available.
5. Seek Help Yourself: Supporting someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts can be emotionally challenging. Make sure to take care of your own mental health and seek support from friends, family, or a counselor.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the idea that our bodies are temples of God’s Spirit. It highlights the importance of taking care of ourselves and not destroying what God has created.
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