Today is World Suicide Prevention Day -- a day when the human race gets to contemplate whether we are doing enough to help prevent emotionally vulnerable individuals from taking their own lives.
We live amidst an era when mental illness ranks as one of the main reasons people decide their existence is not required.
The second quarter of 2018 itself saw us lose a number of celebrities, such as fashion designer Kate Spade and award-winning chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain, to name a few. What was rather unfortunate was the handful among these people who were in the prime of life, namely Avicii, the musician, singer, record producer and DJ from Sweden, who was 28.
Untreated depression is the primary cause for suicide in a number of these cases.
Studies on the topic tell us that some of the negative life experiences that play a role in causing depression can include the death of a loved one, divorce, separation or the breakup of a relationship, and child custody battles, as well as serious loss, such as becoming redundant for a long period, serious illness, accidents, intense emotional pain, loss of hope and last but by no means least being victimised (domestic violence, rape, assault, etc).
Suicide is closer to home than we think, and so before discussing preventive measures, one has to be able to detect its warning signs.
Some of the most obvious ones, according to medical experts, include appearing depressed/sad most of their waking hours, preoccupied with talking or writing about death or suicide, withdrawing from family and friends, feeling a strong sense of hopelessness and helplessness, and strong emotions of anger or rage.
A constant sense of feeling trapped and experiencing dramatic mood changes can become cause for concern.
Other warning signs include abusing drugs or alcohol, exhibiting a change in personality, acting impulsively, losing interest in most activities and experiencing a change in sleeping habits. These comprise just a fraction of the signs that should be monitored.
While it is always a good idea to be able to read common telltale signs pointing towards a cry for help, research tells us that while some people who kill themselves do not betray any warning signs, approximately 75% among them do exhibit some suicide warning signs, so we need to be aware of what the warning signs are and try to spot them in others.
In my opinion, we need to not allow our inhibitions to get the better of us when it comes to helping someone who is exhibiting suicide warning signs. We live in a culture where the "every man for himself" attitude clouds people's better judgement.
I see it as a rescue mission wherein the sole purpose is to see the person in need live. To do so, we have to get rid of the "it's not my business" attitude once and for all. Take a leap of faith even though the person you are helping might rebuff your good intentions. The point here is you show concern, which in my opinion signifies that you care.
It is definitely a collective effort to prevent such patients from carrying out the act, as they are often not in a mentally stable frame of mind to listen to reason. This is why the support of family, friends, confidants, religious elders and, in more dire situations, strangers are required to help intervene.
So just how do we go about helping a suicidal person? Well, experts in the field tell us to be careful of the statements we make to them. The last thing you want is for them feel worse after talking with you.
Research tells us that there is a high probability that the person is suffering from a chemical imbalance in the brain and is thus extremely sensitive, so to press on gently.
It is also recommended that the person assisting listen attentively, and be gentle, kind and understanding. Priority should be put on the suicidal person to talk as much as he or she desires. By being an attentive listener, you can also encourage the person to share her innermost feelings.
There are also many suicide hotlines that can be found on the internet that can offer information and guidance.
I am sold on the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Apart from the aforementioned, I would like to add my two cents by saying that because we live in a self-serving and egotistical society everyone could benefit if people could be more caring and loving toward each other.
When was the last time you invited that recluse office colleague for lunch? Do you go out of your way to make a person who has had a bad day smile.
If we could all for a moment stop thinking about ourselves and instead think about the well being of others, that would be a good start for mental illnesses such as depression to be kept at bay.
Yvonne Bohwongprasert is a feature writer for the Life section of the Bangkok Post.