Suicide is the 10th highest cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and the second-largest cause of death in adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 34.
To understand the cause of this huge number of unnatural death the experts tried a survey which has offered some surprising facts and now they try to find the root cause to avoid the same.
Know Warning Signs And Prevent Suicide
Those who think about such an act show some signs of understanding of which can help avoid such death. They have checked many samples to have a thorough understanding of such signs.
According to studies, the majority of suicides are caused by mental disease, most typically depression. Depression can generate a feeling of uselessness, helplessness, and a sense of feeling like you’re a burden to others. People with mental illnesses may be unable to recognize that their sensations are fleeting, making suicide appear to be a viable option.
“Suicide risk is really difficult to forecast,” says Paul Nestadt, M.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University. “Even seasoned professionals find it difficult to appropriately assess the risk.”
The symptoms of major depressive disorder, according to Nestadt, may include a change in usual activities, isolation, loss of interest in people and activities that previously brought joy, new or increased drug or alcohol use, unintentional weight loss, or low energy, negative self-talk, and suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts might be common but if left untreated these thoughts can take over and at one point; suicide might seem like the only option left.
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2019, the most recent year with information, more than 15,000 persons under the age of 34 died by suicide. Children and young people are more vulnerable to suicide than adults, according to the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have killed more children than infectious diseases every year, suicide still kills far more children than infectious diseases every year, according to JHCC’s Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Campo. But they think it’s very important because talking freely and honestly about suicide can save a life.
Is life not worth living? or Are you thinking about suicide?” Nestadt suggests asking someone with suicidal thoughts. Suicide risk cannot be increased by simply asking these questions, but they can be used to determine if a person is in danger.
A few tips from Johns Hopkins Medicine on interventions in honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month:
- Offer assistance and assistance. Encourage a loved one who is struggling to seek help.
- Discourage the use of firearms. Weapons should be secured or temporarily removed from the home.
- Death can be prevented by even the smallest barriers to lethal means.
- Keep an eye on each other, please. Speak up when you’re feeling down, be honest about your feelings, and rely on your support system for help.
Self-harm is not a joke and it might seem that suicide is easily avoidable but depression and other emotions become too overbearing and suicide might seem like the only option to let it all out. This is why it is very important to seek medical help if anyone is having these thoughts. There are certified therapists and psychiatrists who can help in easing this situation.
Parents who know that their child is going through something can consult a child’s pediatrician or mental health professional. Following simple steps and checking upon others can help in preventing suicide. These tips might seem small but they do matter a lot.
