How Can One Overcome Suicidal Thoughts

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How Can One Overcome Suicidal Thoughts Relief
MetroMedi
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As family members, friends, and confidants, we
have a responsibility to assist the people we
care about. September is recognized as National
Suicide Prevention Month, which presents an
opportunity to learn as much as we can about this
sensitive, yet urgent, issue. How can we discern
if someone we love is having suicidal thoughts,
and how can we take preventative action?   WHERE
DO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS COME FROM? For people who
have never seriously contemplated ending their
own lives, it is challenging to understand the
mindset of an individual with suicidal ideation.
As the 10th-leading cause of death in the United
States according to the Centres for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), however,
understanding where suicidal thoughts come from
is necessary if we want to help individuals
contemplating suicide. People who are suicidal
often do not know how to obtain help. While
prolonged suffering is typical in suicide-related
cases, it is important to remember that suicidal
persons are not always merely trying to escape
the pain. Most genuinely believe that there is no
good reason to continue living and that the world
will be a better place without them.  
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IDENTIFYING COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR
SUICIDE According to the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 90 of people who die
by suicide are experiencing a mental health issue
at the time of their death. Depression is one of
the most common factors attached to suicidal
ideation, but people who experience bipolar
tendencies or other mood-altering conditions are
also at higher risk. Psychosis, excessive alcohol
consumption, and the use of mind-altering drugs
are other factors that can increase impulsivity
and heighten the risk of suicide. The highest
rates of suicide occur among adults between the
ages of 45 and 64, followed closely by adults 85
and older. Children, too, can become suicidal
one in 65,000 children ages 10-14 dies by suicide
each year in the U.S. Issues such as the death of
a parent, divorce, bullying, sexual abuse, or
social exclusion can increase the likelihood of
suicide among preteens. The main concern in these
cases is that parents and teachers often believe
that young children will not attempt
suicide.   THE IMPORTANCE OF THERAPY IN SUICIDE
PREVENTION Therapy is one of the best tools for
suicide prevention. Mental health professionals
usually approach the situation in one of two
ways by targeting the conditions underlying a
persons suicidal thoughts (depression, for
example), or by targeting a persons suicidal
ideations directly.
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• SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGIES YOU CAN USE
• If a family member or friend expresses suicidal
  thoughts, do not ignore them. They might
  desperately need your help. Here are a few
  tactful steps you can take to help a loved one at
  risk for suicide
• Ask questions in a mild and sincere manner.
• Explain why you are asking questions.
• Express that your loved one is not alone. Tell
  them you are there for them and will continue to
  be there.
• If the individual is not comfortable speaking
  with you, suggest a qualified third party such as
  a therapist, spiritual leader, or doctor.
• Do not passively tell the person to just call a
  hotline lead the person to helpful resources
  such as suicide hotlines and local mental health
  associations.
• Help the person schedule and keep appointments
  with a mental health professional, even if the
  individual no longer feels suicidal.

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THANK YOU