Prevention 11 July, 2018 Maria Clara Restrepo E.
If a person is having suicidal thoughts, they may want to hurt themselves or take their own life.
Any type of person can experience having these types of thoughts. They involve feeling trapped, hopeless, overwhelmed and sad, which can trigger the individual to focus on death, taking their own life, or violence. These thoughts may also cause the individual to think that their family and friends are better off without them.
As the webpage Family Doctor explains, a person that is suicidal may:
- Say things like, “I wish I were dead,” or “I wish I had never been born.”
- Think about or actually find ways to commit suicide.
- Withdraw from friends, family, and social situations.
- Say goodbyes to family and friends, as if they don’t expect to see them again.
- Abuse alcohol or drugs or engage in other risky behaviors.
- Have personality changes or mood swings.
While it may feel like the pain will never go away, it is crucial to understand that these thoughts are related to a treatable health problem: depression. Depression is a serious medical condition that can change the chemicals in the brain of the affected persons mood, thoughts and emotions; making it either difficult or nearly impossible for the person to feel happy, to have good memories or to find a solution for their problems. If the person has been treated for this condition in the past, they may need to try other treatments before finding one that works.
The best way to prevent this condition is to accept it, seek help, be patient, and take care of your health and wellbeing.
Related article: Work-related depression