Being stressed in life is natural. However, the way you react to that stress should be healthy for you and your family. Taking your own life or having suicidal thoughts is not a natural response to dealing with stress. It not only affects you but also brings tragic losses to your family and loved ones.
If you or anyone you know is suicidal, the first step is to look for the signs and prevent them from happening. There is various professional help available for people who feel suicidal. You can also visit the best psychiatrist in Kolkata for immediate assistance. Here is everything you need to know about suicidal thoughts, their symptoms, and their risk factors.
Why Does Someone Feel Suicidal?
Before everything, it is important to know what triggers a suicidal thought. The reason cannot be concentrated on just one. There can be various triggers like depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, or any other psychological disorder. When the stress is too unbearable, one can feel like taking their own life to end the stress. However, these thoughts are only temporary and if you or anyone you know is feeling so, they should seek immediate help. There are various suicidal hotlines available across the country that can help. They are as follows:
1. Aasra helpline number: +91 9820466726, Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week, Languages: English, Hindi.
2. You can also visit http://www.aasra.info/helpline.html for a state wise list of helpline numbers.
Symptoms of Suicidal Behaviour
It is quite difficult to identify if a person is feeling suicidal or not. However, there are some common signs and symptoms that can help you identify. They are as follows:
1. Talking about taking their own life or making statements like “I don’t want to live anymore,” or “I want to kill myself.”
2. Having mood swings or frequent depressive episodes.
3. Withdrawal symptoms.
4. Feeling stressed and crying
5. Distancing themselves from their family and friends and/or isolating themselves.
6. Increased use of alcohol and drugs to escape the feeling of depression.
7. Going through drastic personality changes such as being distant around people, always being in a bad mood, and more.
8. Being self-destructive and risking their life unnecessarily.
9. Talking to people as if they are never going to see them again.
10. Writing goodbye notes and seeing their unfinished business is in order.
11. Being unnecessarily violent towards themselves or others and being indulged in death or murder.
12. Disrupted eating and sleeping patterns.
These signs are not definite and may differ from person to person. However, keeping a close look at someone you think is feeling suicidal may help you be sure. If you are going through any of these above-mentioned symptoms, you should get an online doctor consultation for immediate help.
Risk Factors
Anyone ranging from children, teenagers, or adults may have suicidal thoughts. The following are the risk factors for having suicidal thoughts.
1. People who have attempted suicide before are prone to attempt it again.
2. If you feel stressed, hopeless, and depressed, you are more at risk of having suicidal thoughts.
3. People who use recreational drugs or are prone to alcohol abuse are most likely to feel suicidal.
4. Underlying psychological disorders can also trigger suicidal thoughts.
5. People who have homicidal thoughts are also known to have suicidal thoughts.
6. People who do not have supportive family or friends can also feel suicidal at some point.
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder can also trigger such thoughts.
8. Mothers who have postpartum depression can also think of taking their lives.
When To See A Doctor
It is important to first identify the symptoms and risk factors as soon as possible. If you are sure that someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, it is better to check on them before it is too late. If you are yourself having such thoughts, then do visit a psychiatrist as soon as possible for immediate assistance. You can also book an online doctor consultation for quick prevention.
Prevention Of Suicidal Thoughts
There are several preventive measures that can help avoid such thoughts or attempted suicide. They are as follows:
Get psychological help
Visiting a therapist to talk about your emotional well-being and stress can help you prevent having such thoughts. Taking therapy sessions can help you understand any underlying psychological problem that may trigger these thoughts.
Stay close to your family and friends
Talking about your suicidal feelings to your close ones can also help you feel better. Reaching out to your trusted contacts will not only help you get the necessary help but also make you feel less stressed.
Medications to treat depression
Most suicidal thoughts are triggered by depression or anxiety. Antidepressants can help you to an extent. However, it is important to consult the best psychiatrists in Kolkata or near you before administering such medications.
Yoga and meditation
Channeling your inner thoughts can also prevent suicidal thoughts to some extent. Physical activities like yoga and meditation can help with managing bad energy and filling you with positive thoughts.
Suicidal thoughts can be dangerous to you as well as your peers and loved ones. It not only makes you hurt yourself but also puts your family and friends at risk. Emotional distress and other factors that can trigger such thoughts need to be removed. For that, visiting the best psychiatrist in Kolkata or near you can help in immediate prevention. Online doctor consultations with a therapist can also do the job.
