September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and although we have come to the end of September, the awareness campaigns must not end here. As long as there is life and a chance to prevent someone from ending their life, we must do just that, by all means possible. This month we have run the majority of articles on suicide and if I have to draw one conclusion from all of them, then it has to be this: SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE, the biggest takeaway. 

Here are some other TAKEAWAYS from Suicide Prevention Awareness Month:

The Suicide Dilemma 

From our Featured Story shared by Bhumika Saru Magar to other stories we have heard and watched, we have come to realize that the suicide survivors have a dilemma despite attempting suicide. On the one hand, they do make up their minds to end their life but on the other hand, they want to be stopped at the same time. This dilemma is also what makes suicide preventable.

Therefore, being aware of and learning about suicidal behaviors can help us intervene at the right time and prevent the death of a loved one by suicide. 

Suicide Featured Article: SURVIVING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS: MY STORY OF EPIPHANY

Finding your confidante

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you MUST speak to someone before turning your thoughts into action. You could be experiencing suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviors as being a result of your current life circumstances or as an underlying mental health condition. Either way, you must find someone you can confide your thoughts and feelings, someone you can trust, someone you know in your heart who will not judge you.

If you fail to find that certain someone, please call your local suicide helpline number and speak to them. You owe it yourself and your future you that one call.

Related Article: PHYSICAL HURT TO SUICIDAL THOUGHT: COMING THROUGH IT ALL

Being the confidant

If you feel that someone you know/ care about/ love could be showing suicidal behaviors, you can be their confidant. Ask them straightaway if they are having suicidal thoughts and lend them your ears. LISTENING has indeed prevented many suicide deaths and is the most highly recommended action when it comes to dealing with people having suicidal thoughts. 

You can save a life just by being aware of the suicidal behaviors and by listening to that certain someone you feel is feeling suicidal. 

Related: SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS – HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE FEELING SUICIDAL

The Non-discriminating Suicide

There is no one particular reason as to why anyone decides to end their life. Although people with mental health issues like clinical depression, bipolar affective disorder, etc., may be more vulnerable to die by suicide; not everyone with such mental health conditions actually has suicidal thoughts. 

The high-profile celebrity suicides are another indication that death by suicide happens even when a person is living a seemingly fulfilling life in terms of name, fame and wealth. 

Related Article: SUICIDE: 6 REASONS IT IS NOT WORTH IT

So, whether a person is rich or poor, young or old, with or without mental health issues, everyone is vulnerable to having suicidal thoughts or feeling suicidal. All we can do is learn about suicide prevention and be aware of the suicidal behaviors and we can save lives.

SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE

We cannot emphasize enough that suicide is preventable. Take care of your mental wellbeing and check on your loved ones about their mental wellbeing too. Learn about suicidal thoughts and behaviors and start speaking about suicide, suicidal thoughts and behaviors with your family members and break the taboo related to suicides. 

You may want to read: SUICIDE PREVENTION: 7 LESSONS FROM 3 KEVIN’S

The conversation may be sensitive but you can prevent someone from dying by suicide just by talking about it. You can save a life. Stay alert, stay aware, save a life!

mindspeaks