Suicidal thoughts or ideations. How do you know somebody is about to commit suicide? What keywords do people who want to kill themselves use? What ways do persons with suicidal thoughts behave? What are the symptoms of suicidal thoughts or tendencies? And how do you identify a friend that is contemplating suicide?
It may seem hard to know but victims of suicides or suicide attempts often voice it out in their discussions, attitude, behaviour, choice of words, and even on their social media accounts.
I bring to you some words used by persons that may have attempted killing themselves for various and diverse reasons.
From Anonymous: My life has been spiritually manipulated by my uncle right from when I graduated from the University in 2013. In my quest for a solution, I met a prayer woman who extorted me of all my savings. I later found out that she was fake and I confronted her. This turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life because she cursed me. Since that time till now I’ve been having spiritual attacks every year that comes as episodes of mental illness. My life is completely useless now. I’m crying as I’m typing this. When it happened last year, I lost my job and apartment. No hope for me. I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I’m so depressed but the only thing keeping me from committing suicide is the fear of hell. May God help me.
From another anonymous: Hello…. I’m 21 and since I can remember I can’t ever recall a time when I was happy. I feel like there’s no point in living and that this world is full of pain. Many times I’ve thought of killing myself, the only thing that stops me is my Mother . I fear how she will react to this. I held on to the fact that it will get better that I will one day be happy but year after year am more sad than before. I just want to be left alone where no one knows me. I’m not in any debt or sick but I always feel sad. Most times I don’t understand it. I wish the world will end so I can find peace. Suicidal thoughts are not something u discuss with family because u don’t want them to worry. I know I need help but I don’t know how to go about it or the resources to. The worst part is I’ve thought of how suicidal note will be, even written it but couldn’t do it cuz I remembered my Mom . I wish the thought of feeling worthless and useless will stop.
And lastly, read this note of extreme sadness I culled from Linda Ikeji Blog:
First of all I cannot even out my name here just Incase anyone who knows me sees it as it will be embarrassing. For years now going to 6-8 years now it has been all unhappiness in my life. Constantly drinking and smoking just to be happy as is the only way I become happy. I am a lawyer in Nigeria. What is making me to comit suicide is the constant brokenness in my life. It’s embarrasing and shameful seeing everyone around me successful from yahoo and even get a good job. I am being ridiculed every day by my parents. With a degree as mine, I don’t think I should be going through this pain. I have had to take care of a sick father while my brothers flourish but do not even see the need to help. I am being laughed at by their friends being undermined. I plan on taking a suicide medication since but I haven’t still seen one on google selling in pharmacy. I will just die and that will be the end to my unhappiness
From the highlighted words or sentences,you can see these persons have suicidal tendencies or at best may have attempted suicide. They need urgent help.
These are warning signs of suicide and most be taken seriously when you see or hear one.
OK. How do you know someone is planning to kill himself/herself?
Check the warning signs below….
Suicide warning signs include:
Talking about suicide– Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again…” and “I’d be better off dead.”
Seeking out lethal means– Seeking access to guns, sniper, pills, knives, ropes, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Preoccupation with death– Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.
No hope for the future– Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped (“There’s no way out”). Belief that things will never get better or change.
Self-loathing, self-hatred– Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden (“Everyone would be better off without me”).
Getting affairs in order– Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
Saying goodbye– Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.
Withdrawing from others– Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
Self-destructive behavior– Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a “death wish.”
Sudden sense of calm– A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide.
Increased mood swings, anger, rage, and/or irritability
Self hate or self loathing
Terminal illness
Preoccupation with death and dying
Belief that dying by suicide is the only way to end emotional pain
Severe anxiety and agitation
Intense emotional pain
talking about revenge, guilt, or shame
Usually or suspiciously settling disputes with everyone
Experiencing changes in personality, routine, or sleeping patterns
Seeming to be unable to experience pleasurable emotions from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction, or sex
Severe remorse and self criticism
Family history of suicide
Positive history of previous suicide attempt(s)
Asking suspicious or disturbing questions on how to kill oneself.
A significant number of people with suicidal ideation keep their thoughts and feelings a secret and show no signs that anything is wrong.
