Suicide Prevention Awareness - Defying Mental Illness

by Dr Leah Akinlonu

Suvet sat in the Dr’s office staring at the brown carpet. The Doctor was going on about treatment, and how having survived the overdose of tablets; this was an opportunity to provide Suvet with support.

‘Really, what’s the point of treatment? Nothing ever changes. Why bother? Friends? Family? OK, maybe they care, but face it…..they would be better off without me. There’s no point…’

Do you recognise what’s happening with Suvet?

Self-harm, suicide…..those affected in some way understand the pain that words cannot describe.

Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss. Hopefully this article will provide some information to help prevent it.

RECOGNISE SYMPTOMS

Low mood
Hopelessness
Worthlessness

These symptoms above are linked to suicide.

Let’s have a look at each:

Hopelessness – Bleak view of self, the world and the future.

Suvet could not see beyond the now. He knew that people cared but couldn’t grasp it. He could not see how tomorrow would be better.

Worthlessness – Feeling of having no use or value.

Suvet felt that people who cared for him would be better off without him. His life did not count.

Low mood – Feeling sad, dejected, sometimes tearful, poor appetite, poor sleep, self-neglect.

These symptoms indicate depression. When depression is accompanied by thoughts of hopelessness and worthlessness, there is a high risk of self-harm and suicide.

Recognising these symptoms and getting help is important.

GET HELP

Speak out -this seemingly small step can be the hardest part, but can make a huge difference on the path to support. Speak out, tell someone: a friend, a colleague, a neighbour, a family member, a pastor, a teacher. Tell someone. Don’t bear it all alone.
Get professional help – your Doctor or GP may be your first point of contact. There are a range of options and professionals that could then be accessed. You may be referred for counselling or to see a psychiatrist. You might be prescribed medication. You might get support with your social care needs.