R U OK? will be held on September 10th. It's an Australian tradition to celebrate Day as a time to reach out to others and make a difference in their lives. In addition, it's National Suicide Prevention Day today.
More than 3,000 Australians take their own lives each year – an average of eight every day. Suicide deaths in Australia are on the rise, and this is cause for alarm. People commit suicide at a much higher rate than they do in car accidents, and it is the top cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.
Suicide is more common among certain groups of people. Suicide is twice as common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as it is in the general population.
The COVID-19 epidemic has also raised the possibility that the suicide rate will rise much further. For the next five years, some experts believe that a 25% increase in Australia's suicide rate is possible due to rising rates of anxiety and despair, economic deterioration, job losses, and isolation due to lockdown and social alienation.
Increase awareness of suicide risk and improve mental health services for people who are at risk of taking their own lives in order to minimize these appalling numbers.
Supporting people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide is also critical. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the grief that is triggered when that person commits suicide can be even more intense.
Warning Signs and Risk Factors for Suicide
For many months or years before they take their own lives, persons who die by suicide have been struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings.
While most people prefer to keep their emotions under wraps, there are specific behaviors and signals that may suggest that someone is contemplating suicide. Signs to look out for include:
- "I just want it all to come to an end," or "I just want to die."
- Using the phrase "I'm a burden," such as "I wish I wasn't here."
- Taking a break from the people you care about.
- Being unable to sleep or snoozing excessively can be signs of a sleep disorder.
- Self-harm
- Increased consumption of alcohol and/or illegal substances
Giving things away
Suicide is a complicated and multifaceted issue. Suicide is most often linked to depression, however some persons who choose to end their lives may not have showed any visible signs of depression at the time of their suicide. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be exacerbated by the following factors:
- Suicidal attempts in the past
- anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are just a few of the more common mental health issues.
- Problems with substance abuse
- Serious health issues and persistent discomfort
- Situations like a divorce or a job loss can be quite stressful.
- External events such as the COVID-19 epidemic might cause long-term stress.
- A close friendship with someone who committed suicide or attempted suicide.
- a history of abuse or trauma in one's youth
- Injuries to the brain
If You're Suicidal, Where to Go for Help?
It's normal to believe that things will never get better if you've been contemplating suicide or are dealing with severe depression. However, there is always a glimmer of hope.
Seek treatment as soon as you suspect suicide thoughts are plaguing you. Make a 911 call or go to the emergency room at your local hospital if you're suicidal. A doctor, friend, teacher, or family member can be a good source of support for those who are unable to do this alone.
There are times when it's difficult to open up about your feelings. Just be truthful if someone asks if everything is alright. There is a good chance they already know that you are in need of help.
Feeling suicidal and getting help are not mutually exclusive. No matter how isolated you may feel, you can always turn to someone who genuinely cares and is willing to hear you out.
Others choose to freely discuss their suicidal thoughts with someone they're not close to. A mental health support group or a professional counsellor may be of assistance if this is the case.
In certain cases, writing down your feelings rather than speaking about them is preferable than expressing them verbally.
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