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What to do if a loved one is Suicidal
Author: Foras Aje
Depression, characterized by erratic mood swings, loss of interest in
hobbies and activities is a very serious emotional disorder affecting about
9.5 per cent of the nation. Needless to say, it is could be a lot more fatal
if a depressed person is heading towards suicide.
Therefore, here are some signs to know if your loved one is considering
suicide as a result of depression.
Depression Suicide: Warning Signs to be Aware of
1. Mentions of Suicide or Death
2. Wanting to tie up loose ends or give away personal belongings
3. Engaging in reckless behavior such as heavy alcohol and drug use
4. Withdrawing from family and friends
5. Erratic mood swings
6. Inappropriately saying goodbye.
7. Verbal behavior that is ambiguous or indirect: (for example:
"I want to go to sleep and never wake up.", "I'm so depressed, I just
can't go on.", "Does God punish suicides?"
Though the signs and warnings may vary from person to person, it is
important that you are able to recognize such warnings and take some steps
to help your loved one.
Helping a loved one who is showing signs of Depression Suicide
If you believe someone is contemplating suicide do seek help immediately,
however there are a several suicide prevention web sites and hotlines
available to help those in need, but in case these are not within your
reach, you can try the following:
1. Cultivate Physical Closeness: Simple hugs, kisses on the cheeks,
loving pats and compliments go a long way in healing a broken heart or
depressed mind. Remember, sometimes the little things DO count.
2. If the person is acutely suicidal, do not leave him or her alone.
3. Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help. Thus if someone
contemplating suicide turns to you, it is likely that he believes that you
are more caring and more informed about coping with depression, and more
willing to help. This in itself is a positive, thus it will be time to
empower yourself to be what a suicidal person views you to be; stronger and
you are.
4. Other steps to take include reassuring them that help is available and
that with appropriate treatment they can feel better. Try not to patronize
them by simply telling them that "everything will be fine," or that "they
have everything to live for.
5. Try to search the house for dangerous items such as guns and knives
that could be potentially harmful.
In addition to the factors above, if you are of a spiritual inclination,
this will be a good time to pray according to the framework of your faith.
Indeed, prayer when used effectively can work wonders to aid in curtailing
depression suicide.
Moreover, in the hopes that your loved one begins to show signs of
improvement from the warnings indicating depression suicide, it will be
great to start to include such drug-free approaches for depression treatment
such as exercise: namely Yoga, a proper diet for physical health which in
turn heals the mind and positive thinking and affirmations.
Naturally we all would get concerned or frightened if a loved one seems
on the brink of suicide resulting from depression, however as with all
life's problems, if we can catch it early and nip it in the bud, depression
suicide can be prevented. If things may have gotten more advanced, then it
may be time to seek professional help or as an alternative double up on our
efforts to steer the loved one back to a positive outlook on life.
About the author:
Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of
Bodyhealthsoul.com, a website on Natural Health and Wellness.
For additional information on depression treatment go to:
http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com/depression.htm
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