It is, in fact, one of the leading causes of death in the country which is why it’s important to know the red flags to look out for when someone might be thinking of ending their life.
These potential warning signs, according to Olugbile Holloway, a Counsellor/Therapist and Founder of Hidden Conversations, are:
- Poor or sad mood
- Loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities
- Change in appetite (More or less than usual)
- Sleep disturbance /Insomnia (Worry circuit)
- Psychomotor retardation or Agitation
- Low energy (demotivation not particularly glucose energy loss)
- Feeling of worthlessness and guilt
- Difficulty thinking and processing reality
- Reoccurring thoughts of death or suicide.
According to the therapist, these symptoms could be problematic when they occur in the space of one month.
Dealing with someone who may be at risk of suicide
Knowing these signs, here is how to help someone dealing with suicidal thoughts:
The first step is to be compassionate. In the words of Holloway, “We must always show that we care and that we see the person as an individual and not just a pity case. Take time to truly understand the person and their pain points.”
The next thing to do is to “talk to the person, but listen more than you speak.”
“Avoid getting into any theological debate about suicide or pass judgment if the person confides in you that they are having such thoughts,” he recommends.
In his words, “Most importantly, refer the person to a counsellor or therapist.”
The last thing you can do is to “check up on them from time to time, even if it is just a text message.”
