Can Emotional Wellness Prevent Suicide?

Hello!

I was approached by Melissa and asked to post the article below that she wrote about Suicide Prevention.  Facts are from the U.S. but I'm sure many would be similar in Canada.

Please read as you never know when might be able to help someone or even know when you need to seek help.
The article also suggests great ways to promote wellness.  Check out Melissa's website below also.

Thank you Melissa for sharing this important information and helping to prevent suicide.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson

Can Emotional Wellness Prevent Suicide?

 

Photo credit by Pexels

 

Suicide claims nearly 45,000 American lives per year. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also reports that while men account for 3 times as many of these deaths as women, adult women report attempting suicide 1.2 times more often. The tragedy is that suicide is preventable but you must know the warning signs and take action.

 

The Warning Signs of Suicide

There are numerous warning signs that a person is on the brink of suicide. People at risk often plan to give away their prized possessions. They may become isolated and withdrawn from others. If you suddenly can’t reach that friend of yours, it might be time to worry.

 They may also be focusing on death and talking about dying. They may even say they are a burden to others. Other warning signs include rage, mood swings, and aggression.

 
Depression can be an indicator too, but not just any kind. Writer Rich Larson was quoted in Psychology Today commenting on suicide, “…it’s really about depression and cynicism. Those two go hand-in-hand, along with their nasty little sister, anxiety. When the three of them get going, they just eat hope as quickly as it can be summoned.” These paths can lead to despair that sets a person on the road to suicide.

Possible victims may also increase risky behaviors, such as drinking and taking drugs. Look for these signs along with sudden interest acquiring a gun, the most common weapon used for suicide, or harmful pills.

Each warning sign must be weighed against what you know about the person and risk factors in their lives. Some of these include:

●       Family history of suicide.
●       Mental illness diagnosis.
●       Substance abuse history.
●       Recent traumatic event or life-changing loss.

 

For a complete list of warning signs and risk factors, see the suicide prevention page at Psychiatry.org. Most importantly, take action right away if you believe someone is in danger of taking his or her life.

 Suicide and Drug Addiction: Is There A Link?

 As mentioned, both mental illness and substance abuse can be a risk factor, but where do they overlap? Mental health issues such as anxiety, trauma, and depression often co-occur with drug and alcohol addiction.

It’s not that uncommon. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports, “According to a 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.9 million people in the U.S. experience both a mental disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously.” Those affected require a dual diagnosis to combat both of these issues adequately. NAMI recommends an integrated treatment approach by professionals who understand both conditions.

Promoting Emotional Wellness To Prevent Suicide

 In addition to suicide prevention, it’s important to help victims attain emotional wellness. For those dealing with suicidal thoughts, substance use disorders, mental health issues, and various forms of depression, counseling or therapy is recommended. In addition to professional treatment, people can take actions to support their own emotional health:

 ●       Build your support system.

This can include trusted loved ones, a sponsor, a support group, or clergy, to name a few. These are people you can rely on for support and encouragement when you are struggling.

●       Seek engaging activities.
You must get out of your house and avoid isolation. Meetups, volunteering, and community events are just some of the ways you can get involved that can build emotional wellness.

●       Get healthy.
Proper nutrition can bring energy, vitality, and boost your mood. Nature walks benefit your emotional health. You can join a gym to get both physically fit and socialize. Check with your doctor before you do.

●       Reduce negativity.
We have daily access to negative viewpoints from social media, TV, and other forms of entertainment. Eliminate those voices in your life and replace them with uplifting and positive messaging.

Author Mellissa Howard
Visit her website (http://stopsuicide.info/)