Suicide Prevention

Hello everyone, still on the suicide matter ooo... I am sure we must have heard of the phrase "Prevention is better than cure". There is no two ways about it, prevention sure saves us a lot of future stress and even at a lesser cost. Check out all the big big ailments today, you would realize that just a little instruction or diet or something of that sort would have saved the person from any of it today. It is in that light I will be discussing about how we can prevent suicide.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, suicide doesn't just happen, it follows a chain of events which ends with the act of taking ones own life. Conscious effort must be made towards preventing suicide. These efforts must be comprehensive, integrated and synergistic, as no single approach can impact alone on an issue as complex as suicide. Therefore, suicide prevention requires a vision, a plan and a set of strategies.

On the part of the individual experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempts, below are some preventive steps to take;

Know the Warning Signs
Yeah! There are sure warning signs that could lead to suicidal feelings which could lead to suicide itself. Some of these signs are intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness,

shame, guilt, anxiety, or anger; difficulty sleeping; and/or a combination of depressive thoughts and the high energy of mania (mixed state). When one is aware of these feelings, one can take positive steps early enough in the prevention of suicide.

Realize your Risk Factors
Most time, suicidal thoughts and actions are more likely to occur immediately after a traumatic event like discharge from the hospital, abuse, and during periods of combined mania and depression symptoms etc. So keep in mind these factors that can increase the chances of suicidal thoughts and actions. Although, these factors are not be planned for, but realizing one's risk factors sure puts one at an advantage.

Never stop taking your medication abruptly
For those who have been on medication, it is better not to stop the medication until your doctor says otherwise. And if you feel like it is time for a change in medication, formulate a plan with your doctor to decrease your risk of relapse, side effects, and suicidal thoughts.

Remove potentially dangerous objects
It is important that if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, that you remove or restrict access to firearms, quantities of medications, and other items that could be used to self-harm.

Avoid Isolation
Do not die in isolation!!! We are a social animal as the sociologist would say, no one exist on his/her own. Talk to someone. Confide in a trusted friend or family member about your suicidal thoughts and enlist their help in seeking treatment and staying safe.

Partner with Professionals
Talk to an expert, speak to a mental health practitioner that can put together a treatment plan to address, alleviate, and prevent further suicidal thoughts. This is very very important as most times we tend to think we can handle it ourselves but end up falling deeper and deeper and then it becomes too late. I say, talk to an expert.

Call for help
It helps if you can add the number of a crisis hotline to your phone’s contacts to make it easier to reach out during suicidal episodes. Send a text to this number +2348127557614 with your location and you would get crisis hotline sent to you based on your location.

We can win the battle of suicide! Yes we can!

It is far better to be alive and fight the battles of life than giving up. Winners never give up that I am sure of. You are a winner! Always maintain that mentality of a winner and you sure will get it's rewards.


Talk to an Expert!
Talk to a Psychologist!!!