It can be prevented.
According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), an average of 3,000 people die by suicide every day. For every suicide attempt, approximately 20 people attempt suicide unsuccessfully. Although the global suicide rate has shown a slight downward trend in recent years, progress in addressing this issue remains slow. In 2021 – the most recent year for which data is available – an estimated 727,000 suicides occurred worldwide. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic background. Furthermore, the prevalence of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression is increasing. Currently, more than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, and approximately 9% of people with depression globally are receiving treatment.
Patients exercise and play sports to improve their health at the rehabilitation center of Kien Giang Psychiatric Hospital. Photo: MI NI
Previously, suicide was viewed as a social problem, receiving little attention, but its severity was no less than that of an epidemic, claiming many lives. However, suicide is entirely preventable if early signs of suicidal ideation are detected so that timely counseling, intervention, and assistance can be provided.
Formerly lively and cheerful, Ms. L.T.L.N., residing in Rach Gia ward, became quiet and withdrawn during her pregnancy. Afterward, she suffered from frequent insomnia, depression, and suicidal thoughts. “For three months straight, I couldn’t sleep at all. My body was weak, I was anxious, and I heard voices in my head telling me to end my life to escape the suffering. At that time, my family was very caring, supportive, and took me for treatment in time to prevent any unfortunate incidents,” Ms. L said. Currently, Ms. L has given birth, and her life and daily activities have almost returned to normal.
Common signs
According to Dr. Lam Tuong Minh, Director of Kien Giang Psychiatric Hospital, suicide is a voluntary death caused by oneself, or in other words, an act of ending one's own life. Causes of suicide include mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, auditory hallucinations, etc., related to social factors such as abuse, exploitation, and psychological trauma. “In addition, suicide can occur in various forms of mental illness such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, where the patient is completely lucid, without psychotic symptoms, but perceives a bleak future or experiences feelings of restlessness, discomfort, and distress leading to suicidal behavior… Untreated or ineffectively treated depression is a leading cause of suicide,” Dr. Lam Tuong Minh stated.
Common signs in people contemplating suicide include an unusual interest in death, such as writing poetry or journal entries mentioning death and their own passing; expressing hopelessness and a loss of faith in life and the future. Their speech and posts on Facebook, Zalo, etc., often reveal feelings of hopelessness and a disregard for life; feelings of guilt, shame, worthlessness, or self-loathing. They may also rearrange their belongings, give away valuables, or contact family and friends; they might unexpectedly visit or call relatives and friends to say goodbye or send messages hinting at a separation…
To prevent suicide, Dr. Lam Tuong Minh recommends: “First, early detection of cases with suicidal intentions or attempts, assessing risk factors and situations that easily lead to suicide. Next, preventing attempted suicide by taking the person with suicidal intentions to the hospital, monitoring them 24/7, especially at night, and ensuring the patient has a family member by their side. Finally, preventing recurrent suicide by understanding and addressing the reasons for suicidal thoughts, implementing psychotherapy, and treating relapses of mental illnesses.”
Furthermore, to prevent suicide, each person needs to exercise regularly to improve physical and mental health, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fun and recreation to build a strong mental fortitude capable of coping with various circumstances and events. At the same time, building a family that serves as a source of emotional support, love, and shared difficulties helps members face life's challenges with strength.
MINI
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/giu-lay-su-song-a461266.html
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