People who attempt or complete suicide usually suffer from extreme emotional pain, distress
and feel unable to cope with their problems. A suicidal person is likely (but not always) to suffer from some sort of mental
illness, particularly severe depression, and feel they are merely existing, that their future is bleak and hopeless. Certain aspects of a person's life increase
the likelihood that the person will attempt or complete suicide. Studies have shown that one of the best predictors of suicidal
intent is hopelessness. People with a sense of hopelessness may come to perceive suicide as the only alternative to a pained
existence. People with mental illnesses, substance-abuse disorders such as alcoholism or drug dependence, and behavioral disorders
also have a higher risk of suicide. In fact, people suffering from diagnosable mental illnesses complete about 90% of all
suicides. Physical illness also increases a person's risk of suicide, especially when the illness is accompanied by depression.
About 1/3 of adult suicide victims suffered from a physical illness at the time of their death.
Other risk factors include previous suicide attempts, a history of suicide among family members,
and social isolation. People who live alone or lack close friends may not receive emotional support that would otherwise protect
them from despair and irrational thinking during difficult periods of life.
A good number of people who complete suicide give warning
signs, although the warnings may not be obvious. They may take the form of talking about suicide
or a wish to die; preoccupation with death; statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness; and references
to suicide in drawings, school essays, poems, or notes. Other danger signs include sudden, dramatic, and unexplained
changes in behavior and what are called "termination behaviors". These behaviors include an interest in putting
personal affairs in order and giving away prized possessions, often accompanied by statements of sadness or despair. A person who observes these signs should ask the person in question whether he or she is thinking
of suicide. If so, the observer should refer the person to a trained mental health professional to reduce the immediate risk
of suicide and to treat the problems that led the person to consider suicide. Most suicides can be prevented because although
the thoughts are real, the suicidal state of mind can be temporary.Suicide has a devastating emotional impact on surviving
family members and friends. The intentional, sudden, and violent nature of the person's death often makes others feel
abandoned, helpless, and rejected. A family member or friend may have the added burden of discovering the body of the suicide
victim. Parents often suffer exaggerated feelings of shame and guilt. Because of the social stigma, or shame, surrounding
suicide, survivors may avoid talking to others about the person who died, and others may avoid the survivors.
If you are contemplating suicide, know that you are not alone. You may feel
alone, but you are not alone. There are people that love and care for you, if you think there isn't, there is at least
One that loves and cares about you: You may not believe it, but God
loves and cares for you and every aspect of your life. Take a step
back from yourself, take a step away from your dilemma - don't react to your situation or your present circumstances as
they are only temporary.
What you
are feeling is real, however your feelings can change just as can your current situation. No matter how long
you have been struggling or feeling suicidal, that is temporary, as opposed to ending your life, which is
permanent. There are people that care, please reach out! If
you are in suicidal crisis, emotional crisis or having a family crisis, please contact the Suicide Crisis Hotline:
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REASONS TO LIVE written by Vicki F. Duffy I
can speak from experience on the real, intense, and disturbing feelings that come with suicidal tendencies. I had two serious
suicide attempts; one in May of 1993 and the other in September of 1994, where I was 'down' for 7 seconds. In 1994,
when I awoke with doctors hovering, I was miserable that I hadn't succeeded. I could not imagine another day in the torment
I lived in. I do understand how it is to not want to live another waking moment. Although it was not an overnight success
or an instant miracle, I did get through it and now I am so glad that I didn't succeed. It is my hope
for all who are struggling, to realize you do have hope and a future on this earth! As far as having anyone I know take their own life, my mother took her life (in haste)
on January 5, 2007. Momma, I love you. I miss you very much. There are Reasons to Live! You
may be thinking to yourself, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end it all right now?!" In my opinion, here are 7 good reasons not to end your life
& 7 good reasons to live:
1).
If you killed yourself, your death will hurt many people, emotionally and mentally. - Whether your realize it or not, your death will hurt friends, parents, brothers, sisters, husband, wife, teachers,
pastor, neighbors, younger kids that look up to you.
2).
If you are considering killing yourself because of what someone has done to you, you would be punishing yourself for the actions
of another person/people. 3). If you were to end your life, you would be creating a permanent answer
to something that CAN change. 4). Suicide is an extremely devastating occurrence for the people left
behind to deal with. There are so many unanswered
questions in their minds. Many people who are suicidal feel that they are worthless, that their life would be better without
them in it. That is not the case, especially those who love them! The effects the loss has on those loved ones left behind
is unexplainable! They are left with guilt, bewilderment, feelings of abandonment, trauma, shock, sadness, hopelessness, and
probably more questions than they know what to do with.
5). Should you kill yourself, you will never experience the good things that life has to offer! 6). By overcoming, you can become an inspiration to others, helping others
get through what you struggled with. 7). If you succeeded in ending your life, you would miss what God has for you. Regardless if you believe in
God or not, God has a plan specifically for you in this life.
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