The Importance of Knowing How to Prevent Suicide

How to prevent suicide is important to know, because this could happen to people close to us.People who are suicidal often plan it secretly. So, we also need to recognize sign-signs, in order to be able to prevent suicide as soon as possible.

Suicide is the act of a person to end his life. In Indonesia, the death rate due to suicide is estimated at 1,800 cases per year. This action can occur in all age groups, both adults, elderly, teenagers, and children.

About 90 percent of suicides are triggered by psychological problems or mental disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. In addition, people who experience violence or abuse, including sexual harassment, are also at risk for suicide.

Recognize Signs Someone Wants to Suicide

Here are some signs that someone who is contemplating suicide might show:

  • Often talks about the anxiety he is experiencing
  • Often talk about death
  • Feeling hopeless and having no passion for life
  • Easily angry all of a sudden
  • Loss of appetite to lose weight
  • Difficulty sleeping and often feel sad, anxious, or stressed
  • Withdrawing from daily activities and other people, including family
  • Storing or using illegal drugs (drugs)

In addition, another sign that is the most dangerous is when someone says farewell to those closest to them and engages in activities that risk their lives or attempt suicide.

Suicide Prevention Measures

When someone you know shows signs of wanting to end their life, there are several steps you can take to prevent suicide, including:

1. Invite him to discuss and be a good listener

A person who wishes to commit suicide is usually experiencing a serious problem. Therefore, your role is very important in opening a warm conversation, so that he will share stories related to what he is feeling.

When he is pouring out all his complaints, never immediately offer a solution, let alone advise him. Remain quiet and be a good listener, as this will make him feel comfortable and show that you care about the problem he is having.

2. Help solve the problem as best you can

A person who has suicidal ideation suffers greatly emotionally. Suicide is considered the only way out for those who cannot face their own problems. Therefore, try to offer any help he might need.

Reassure him that you will help the problem at hand as best you can. If the problem is considered big enough, you can involve your relatives and family to participate in solving the problem.

3. Don't let him be lonely

Since suicide is often carried out in secret, try not to leave him alone as much as possible. Accompany him every time so that things do not happen that are not desirable.

In addition, get rid of all items that are considered dangerous, such as firearms, sharp weapons, or drugs that are in the vicinity. That way, this can reduce the desire and desire to commit suicide.

4. Invite him to see a psychologist or psychiatrist

If indeed your efforts have not succeeded in changing his intention or attitude to commit suicide, the only best way you can do is take him to see a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Later, a psychiatrist or psychologist will carry out treatment depending on the underlying cause of his suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Basically, suicide prevention in a person can be resolved properly as long as family and friends care to help and find a way out of the problems faced by the person.

By knowing the signs of someone wanting to commit suicide and the preventive steps as above, it is hoped that there will not be a heartbreaking event for those closest to you.

Likewise, if you yourself feel suicidal or have suicidal ideation, consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for help and appropriate treatment.