Suicide and Suicidal Thought: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions -By Imam Hassan

Suicide and Suicidal thought are some of the challenges confronting the depressed individuals in our society. This piece of write up would help those who have the intention to commit suicide, that’s, those having suicidal thought by making them realize that suicide is not the solution to solve their problem. it would also elucidate the readers of this article on how to observe easily whether a family or friend wants to commit suicides and a way forward to persuade the person that Suicide is not the best option for him/her because if there is life; there is hope.

Suicidal thought or suicidal ideation means thinking ahead or planning suicide. Suicidal thought is now common in our contemporary society. Numerous people experience this in one way or the other if are undergoing stress or depression. In most cases, these are temporary and can be treated, but in the other way round, they place individuals at risk for attempting or committing suicide.    It is, however, imperative for you to take note of these symptoms in case you have any close relatives who are asserting the word like ”I am going to kill myself.” or ”I wish I were dead” If you notice that somebody close to you is uttering these statements; just put it at the back of your mind that the person in question wants to commit suicide.

Furthermore, if you see someone finding a means to take their life such as buying a gun, sniper, and rope; withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be alone; being preoccupied with death, dying, or violence and feeling trapped or hopeless about a life situation. Also, changing normal routines, including eating or sleeping patterns and doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly or intention to jump into the big river.
Giving away belongings when there’s no other logical explanation for doing that, and telling goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again are the symptoms, of suicidal thought. If you have anybody who is facing challenges and is going through depression and you have seen any of the above symptoms; kindly take a step to prevent the person from taking own/her own life.

However, one of the causes that precipitated suicide thought is a result of the fact that when a person is facing challenges and thinking that he/she doesn’t have hope for the future; thinking suicide would be the best option for them. Moreover, when a person feels they can no longer bear an irresistible situation. This could arise from financial problems, remorse, rejection, a relationship break up, and unemployment.  

In every problem, there would surely be a solution, if you realize any of these suicidal symptoms, consult your doctor to get the treatment you need. Share your problems with friends and family, consult them on the way out to prevent this suicidal thought, and always remember that suicidal feelings are temporary. If you feel hopeless or that life’s not worth living anymore, remember that treatment can help you regain your perspective — and life will get better. Take one step at a time and don’t act impulsively.

On a final note, this problem can also be prevented by taking notice through a person’s speech or behavior that could be at risk. They can help by talking to the person and by seeking appropriate support for that person.  Keep them safe from committing suicide and removing some means of committing suicide such as knives, guns, snippers, and other dangerous instruments. Listen to them, encourage them, and try to follow up with them after the difficulty has passed, as this appears to ameliorate the risk of reoccurrence. 

SAY NO TO SUICIDAL THOUGHT

Imam Hassan is a 300-Level student of Law at the University of Ilorin.