Procrastination an impediment that needs Remedy

                          SUICIDE 

BY:BOLU PELUMI OLAOSEBIKAN
   
   SUICIDE  in this Century has become a trending national issue, we constantly hear about Cases of Suicide every now and then, which has caused so much woes for nations of the world .Every suicide is a tragedy and to some degree a mystery which is highly Perilous to nations. 
Suicide is simply defined as the act of intentionally taking one’s own life.
    

Suicide often stems from a deep feeling of hopelessness. The inability to see solutions to problems or to cope with challenging life circumstances may lead people to see taking their own lives as the only solution to what is really a temporary situation. Historically, and still today in some locations, suicide is considered a criminal offense, a religious taboo, and, in some cases, an act of honor (e.g. suicide bombings).

I see suicide Suicide as a  desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of           Self-loathing ,hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can’t see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just can’t see one.

Categorizing Suicide  

> completed suicide is the successful act of intentionally causing one’s own death.

>Attempted suicide is an attempt to take one’s life that does not end in death, rather self-injury

>Assisted suicide an individual helping another individual in bringing about their own death by providing them with the means to carry it out or by providing advice on how to do it.

KEY FACTS

W. H. O (World Health Organization) gave some statistics on suicide, go through them to realize how menacing this issue is, and how well it is eating deep into fibre

* Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year.

*79% of global suicides occur in low  and middle-income countries.

*There are an estimated 10 to 20 million attempted suicides every year. Which may lead to injury and long-term disabilities.

*Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds.

* Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.

You might want to Agree with me that all the above mentioned key facts  are disheartening and saddening. It makes you wonder what are the causes of this Suicide? . which lead us to risk factors

Risk Factors  Of Suicide. 

Suicide is a serious public health problem, but they don't just happen are are caused by series of factors including :

> Depression, mental disorders, drug misuse, psychological states, cultural, family and social-economic problems, genetics, and experiences of trauma or loss. 

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS

  >>Suicide warning signs are evident enough and taking them seriously is core. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, there’s plenty you can do to help save a life. These Warning signs include

Talking about suicide – Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again” and “I’d be better off dead"

Seeking out lethal means – Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Preoccupation with death – Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.

No hope for the future – Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped (“There’s no way out”). Belief that things will never get better or change.

Self-loathing, self-hatred – Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden (“Everyone would be better off without me”).

Getting affairs in order – Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.

Saying goodbye – Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.

Withdrawing from others – Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.

Self-destructive behavior – Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a “death wish”

Suicide Prevention Tips 

(1) CONVERSATION 

Talking to a friend or any suicidal person about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult for anyone , but its a good way to make a person less suicidal, by showing that you care. In fact, giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express his or her feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings, which may prevent a suicide attempt. 

Ways to start a conversation about suicide:

“I have been feeling concerned about you lately”

“Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing"

“I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately”

Questions you can ask:

“When did you begin feeling like this?”

“Did something happen to make you start feeling this way?”

“How can I best support you right now?”

“Have you thought about getting help?”

What you can say that helps:

“You are not alone in this. I’m here for you.”

“You may not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling will change"

“I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help”

“When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold off for just one more day, hour, minute—whatever  you can manage" 

When talking to a suicidal person

Do:

Be yourself. Let the person know you care, that they are alone. Finding the right words are not nearly as important as showing your concern.

Listen. Let your friend or loved one vent and unload their feelings. No matter how negative the conversation seems, the fact that it is taking place is a positive sign.

Be sympathetic and non-judgmental. The suicidal person is doing the right thing by talking about their feelings, no matter how difficult it may be to hear.

Offer hope. Reassure your loved one that help is available and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Let the person know that their life is important to you.

Take the person seriously. If a suicidal person says things like, “I’m so depressed, I can’t go on,” ask if they’re having thoughts of suicide. You’re allowing them to share their pain with you, not putting ideas in their head.

But don’t:

Argue with the suicidal person. Avoid saying things like: “You have so much to live for,” “Your suicide will hurt your family,” or “Just snap out of it.”

Act shocked

Promise confidentiality or be sworn to secrecy. A life is at stake and you may need to speak to a mental health professional in order to keep the suicidal person safe. If you promise to keep your discussions secret, you may have to break your word.

Offer ways to fix your loved one’s problems, give advice, or make them feel like they have to justify their suicidal feelings. It is not about how bad the problem is, but how badly it’s hurting your friend or loved one.

2.Get professional help. 

Do everything in your power to get a suicidal person the help he or she needs. Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor’s appointment.

3.Offer help and support. 

If a friend or family member, or anyone you encounter is suicidal, the best way to help is by offering an empathetic, listening ear. Let your loved one know that he or she is not alone and that you care. Don’t take responsibility, however, for healing your loved one. You can offer support, but you can’t make a suicidal person get better. He or she has to make a personal commitment to recovery. 

4.Limiting access to methods of suicide,

5.treating mental disorders and substance misuse

6.careful media reporting about suicide

7.improving social and economic conditions. 

Conclusion. 

Sucide is an Highly perilous issues of high priority to nations, individuals, family etc. It has the tendency to cause a lasting sadness but As saddening or tragic Sucide can be, there is a light at the end of the tunnel which portrays a ray of hope but its until when all hands are on deck to follow all the preventive measures and combact this menace tog ether, then I believe there will be a free suicidal World. Help someone today!! .