The death of a loved one is hard to handle even in the best of circumstances, but when it comes in the form of a suicide, you find yourself with questions that you have no answers to. You rant at God when a loved one is taken from you by an accident or an illness or in any other unnatural way, but who can you rave at when you don’t understand why your loved one wanted to take their life? While we have no control over accidental death, suicide is preventable if you are perceptive and know how to read the signs. If you think a loved one is prone to suicidal tendencies, here’s how you can identify the threat and get them help before it’s too late:
- Take what they say seriously: People who intend to commit suicide tend to tell others in some way or the other of their decision. At times it could be that they want someone to stop them; at others, it could slip out inadvertently. Whatever the reason and method they use to tell you, be observant and pay attention when you know that a loved one is depressed, moody and/or not behaving as they do normally.
- Monitor them closely: It may be difficult to monitor them continuously, but you must try your best if you want to save their life. Get other friends and family members to help you out in your endeavor, and at the slightest threat of self-inflicted violence, get them to seek professional help.
- Talk to them: Some people just need someone to talk to; once they get some support and encouragement, they feel better and the suicidal tendency goes away. The feeling of despondency lasts only as long as they feel alone and lonely. So spend some time getting them to open up and tell you what’s wrong or what they think is wrong with their lives.
- Get them professional help: Coax, cajole or just plain trick them into seeing a qualified professional. If they suffer from some mental affliction that is more than just mere depression, the right medication could do wonders to improve their mood and disposition. Also, if they’re really suicidal, you would be saving their life by getting them to see a psychiatrist or equally qualified medical professional.
