Online Counseling Guide on Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious issue that many people prefer not to discuss, but it is something that affects many people at some point in their life. Suicide can be a very difficult thing to understand. If someone you know may be suicidal, it’s important to recognize the signs beforehand so they can get the help and counseling they need. With proper education, everyone can be made more aware of the possible risks for suicide as well as the underlying causes. There are many different reasons someone may want to commit suicide, and in many cases, they can be saved if they get the help they need in time.

Signs

While not all signs of being suicidal mean that the person will commit the act, you should be able to recognize potential warnings. People who become withdrawn or depressed may be considering suicide. If you know someone who normally does not drink alcohol or do drugs and they suddenly start, this could be cause for alarm. Other signs include talking about being a burden to others, extreme feelings of guilt or despair, or even mentioning committing suicide to someone else. People who begin to sleep a lot or not at all or those who start giving away their belongings for no apparent reason may also be at risk. If someone you know loves to play sports, for example, and then suddenly loses interest, this is another red flag. Those who completely lose interest in hobbies and friends might be at risk for either depression, suicide, or both.

Prevention

It may not be possible to stop a suicide from occurring in all cases, but there are some things people can do to help prevent it. If you think someone may be at risk for suicide, it’s important that you take them seriously. Talk to an adult you trust, like a parent or teacher, and let them know about your concerns. Addressing the problem directly is a good start to preventing someone from causing harm to themselves. Let the person know you are concerned, and ask them if they’d like to talk to you about their problems. Remember to be open and listen to the person without judgment. Offer your support, and tell them you are happy to help them find counseling or other help. Never act shocked; just let them talk to you about how they’re feeling. If you think the situation has reached an emergency level, it’s important to call for help immediately.

Get Help

The most important factor to prevent suicide is to make sure a suicidal person gets the help they need. Toll-free hotlines are available to call if someone feels this way. These hotlines are designed to help people who feel suicidal by letting them talk to someone who understands how they feel and can guide them in the right direction. Professional counseling is another great resource. Counselors are specially trained to deal with people who may be suicidal. There are also treatment facilities available for those who may be at an extreme risk. Sometimes, medication is needed to help people feel OK again. The type of help given often depends on the severity of the situation, certain risk factors, and how long the person has felt this way. No matter what, it’s important that anyone with suicidal thoughts gets help so it can be prevented.

Awareness and Other Resources

Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful resources available for those who feel suicidal and for those who may know someone who is coping with these thoughts. Whether it is a professional clinic or a simple phone call, knowing how to find these resources is essential to ensure that someone gets the help they need. Suicide awareness plays a big role in preventing it from happening: By recognizing the signs and symptoms, you may be able to save someone’s life. Use the resources available to you if you or someone you know is at risk.