Suicide is an act of ending your own life and I have been reading a lot of reports from South Korea that they have a growing number of suicidal rates. Most of them are teenagers or young adult. You can even hear reports about celebrities who kill themselves on their own home.

Severe depression can lead to suicide
But it is not just in the Korean peninsula where this phenomenon is really disturbing. Lithuania, Hungary, Japan, China and Russia also belong to the top 10 countries with suicidal problem. Why is this happening? What are the symptoms and what can you do to help them? We’ll discuss it here.


Why do people commit suicide?

Many people who committed suicide showed indication that they are depressed. Yes, when a person is in great trouble or there is gravely wrong in his life (according to his view), he is more likely to commit suicide. You will notice that economic status is not the basis here, whether a person has tons of money (and can be happy with all of those, as you may say) or a poor person living on a slum; they can be victim of depression which causes suicide.*


What are some signs and indications that a person wants to commit suicide?

Most of suicidal person will show some symptoms that they really need help or guidance. But remember, not all cases are like that. There are victims that hide the real feelings they have inside. They may act normal on the front of family, friends or strangers but the truth is they are seriously bothered. This one is hard to notice and dangerous.

1. Depression – The primary reason of suicide. An event or happening (he doesn’t want to happen) on his life can trigger depression and if not given attention, I mean PLEASE GIVE THEM ATTENTION and ASSISTANCE!

2. Giving away his important things – It only shows that he will not be using them anymore and he wants other to benefit from it. Why is he doing this? Check the #3.

3. Lack of interest in future plans – He is not excited about the future because he thinks that sooner or later, he will be gone in this world.

4. Personality changes – Maybe he is a jolly person the last time you meet him. But now, he was just a loner who almost forgot the word smile from his vocabulary. Then, you discovered that he was like that for almost a month.

5. Previous suicide attempts – Did he try to commit suicide before? Is he locking himself inside his room for hours trying some wrist cutting or self-mutilation? It is important to check for this seriously.

6. Expression of hopelessness and helplessness with verbal suicide threats – A person who talks (or sometimes writes) about of leaving or dying. Or he always think that there will be no solution or cure to the problem. He blames himself for everything bad happening.**

7. Daring or risk-taking behavior – Walking beside the fast lane carelessly. Eating the not recommended foods. Drinking a lot. Sitting on the top of the bridge or even climbing up a high advertising board.

Some other warning signs may include direct and indirect suicide threats, obsession with death, songs, music, poems, essays and drawings that refers to death, irrational, bizarre behavior, changed eating or sleeping patterns and overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or reflection.

Any of the symptoms stated above does not necessarily mean that he is a suicidal person. But if you are able to notice most of them, you need to take an action.


How to help a suicidal person?

Talking to him is very essential! Talk with him about your concern. Try not to include negative thoughts on your conversation. If he is the one bringing it up, try to calm him. Don’t be harsh, remember that this state needs special attention and understanding. Most important, a communication should include “listening”. Encourage him to talk about his feeling. Again, listen to him. This is not a time to lecture but to encourage!

Don’t act shocked or be judgmental. He doesn’t deserve to be judged. Focus on saving him not on nagging.

Asking direct questions about suicide should be done in a mild manner. Be frank but with dignity. Let him speak freely. No frown or disappointment should be seen in your face. This will help him relax through your conversation. Remember, the more he don’t speak, the deadlier the situation will be.

Let him associate more and do not leave the person alone. There is only one way to help a lonely person, and it is to bring friends to him. In that way, he will forget the idea of “being alone”.

Seek professional help if you can’t help him alone. Doctors who specialize on this area can help a lot. They may prescribe the needed medication for the victim and give advices to the ill and his family.

Source: http://www.capefearhealthyminds.org/library.cgi?article=1115921805
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* 30%-70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar disorder.
** Eight out of ten suicidal persons give some sign of their intentions. People who talk about suicide, threaten to commit suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves.