Over the years we have heard of persons in the public domain who have committed suicide.
We express shock and horror, pay tributes to them then move on until the next person commits
suicide. Suicide has now become a way of life. It is no respect of age or sex. There are some
persons who have a known history of mental illness. There are others who turn to suicide as they
find it difficult to cope with the stresses of life and for them that is their only option. When it comes
closer to home, we ask why and wonder why this person did not reach out to us or how come we
did not see the signs.
We express shock and horror, pay tributes to them then move on until the next person commits
suicide. Suicide has now become a way of life. It is no respect of age or sex. There are some
persons who have a known history of mental illness. There are others who turn to suicide as they
find it difficult to cope with the stresses of life and for them that is their only option. When it comes
closer to home, we ask why and wonder why this person did not reach out to us or how come we
did not see the signs.
In the past, we have always seen information on behaviours before persons take their life, such as,
telling others goodbye, giving away things or writing a note. There are some who out rightly will
share that they intend to commit suicide. In these instances they are never ever believed so no-one
tries to get the necessary help for them. Let me retreat here as there have been instances when the
individual is known to be suicidal or suffers with mental illness where help is given.
telling others goodbye, giving away things or writing a note. There are some who out rightly will
share that they intend to commit suicide. In these instances they are never ever believed so no-one
tries to get the necessary help for them. Let me retreat here as there have been instances when the
individual is known to be suicidal or suffers with mental illness where help is given.
Sometimes it is hard to tell if someone we are close to will commit suicide. There may be signs that
we should not ignore as well as there are some that we should ignore. It’s really hard to tell, however,
some possible solutions are:
we should not ignore as well as there are some that we should ignore. It’s really hard to tell, however,
some possible solutions are:
· Be aware of the changed behaviours of your family member or friend.
· Ask questions as to the reason for these particular behaviours to get clarity.
· Probe if the response seems a little off.
· Seek the assistance of others if you need a second opinion.
· Seek the appropriate help for the person.
Whereas some observations may be unfounded, it is better to be safe than sorry. It can always be
shared that this line of questioning is out of concern for the person. Not all will admit to their feelings
or share their true feelings, we can at least try. We may not always be our brother’s keeper but we
can try. You may be able to save a life.
shared that this line of questioning is out of concern for the person. Not all will admit to their feelings
or share their true feelings, we can at least try. We may not always be our brother’s keeper but we
can try. You may be able to save a life.
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