Helping Suicidal and depressed

HOW TO HELP

Signs to look for:

Avoids friends and activities.
Talks about wanting to die.
Sleeplessness and Loss of appetite
Is moody, teary or quiet.
Starts neglecting his or her appearance.
Appears to have no energy or no appetite.
Expresses feelings of despair, hopelessness and helplessness.
Tries to cut or hurt himself/ herself.
Starts giving away personal possessions.
Makes statements like ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I won’t be around to face…’

Myths and Facts about Suicide

Myth	Persons who talk about suicide, do not commit suicide.
Facts	Of any 10 persons who will commit, 8 have given definite warnings of their suicidal intentions.

Myth	Persons who talk about suicide, do not commit suicide.
Facts	Studies reveal that suicidal persons give many clues and warning regarding their suicidal intentions.

Myth	Suicidal people are fully intent on dying.
Facts	Most suicidal persons are undecided about living or dying, and they “gamble with death”, leaving it to others to save them. Almost no one commits suicide without letting others know how they are feeling.

Myth

Once a person is suicidal, they are suicidal forever.

Facts

Individuals who wish to kill themselves are suicidal only for a  limited period of time. Myth Suicide strikes much more often among the rich, or,  conversely, almost exclusively among the poor. Facts Suicide is neither the rich man’s disease nor the poor man’s curse. Suicide is represented proportionately in all levels of society. Myth Suicide is inherited or “runs in the family”. Facts It follows individual patterns. Myth Improvement following a suicidal crisis means that the suicidal risk is over. Facts Most suicides occur about 3 months following the beginning of “improvement”, when the individual has the energy to put his morbid thoughts and feelings into effect. Myth Suicide attempters are just looking for attention. Facts Most people considering suicide are sincerely reaching out for help. Their cries should not be taken lightly. Myth Talking about suicide encourages people to do it.. Facts When listened to with care, suicidal people get a chance to express themselves and may find relief. Myth All suicidal individuals are mentally ill, and suicide is always the act of a psychotic person. Facts Studies of hundreds of genuine suicide notes indicate that although suicidal people are extremely  unhappy, they are not necessarily mentally ill.