Ethiopian Review

The World Health Organization, WHO for short, has designated September 10th world suicide prevention day. Not only is this day set aside for the awareness of preventing suicide, but to let people know you can talk about suicide openly to possibly prevent a premature death by one taking their own life. The stats compiled by this WHO state that 3000 people a day, yes, a day, commit suicide. More than that attempt taking their own life.
Some go completely unreported.

Some tell tale signs of impending suicide are so slight that even a spouse, loved one of the family or close friend would not be aware of the suicide thoughts. The guilt of not being informed of a small gesture leading a person toward suicide could haunt a loved one for a lifetime. The silent self talk of the loved one could be: if I had known, I should have asked that person if they were contemplating suicide, If only I was closer to prevent that person from committing suicide or many other deep seated, private ideas.

My personal experience that resulted in my mother committing suicide has prompted me to ask you to talk about your fears. If you see some drastic or even small changes in a person’s everyday routine, don’t shrug it off as none of your business. It is better to have that person angry at you and knowing you care about them than the alternative.

When I first learned of my mother’s first attempted suicide, I asked her if she was going to do anything else to end her life. My mother was a smart woman and answered me in a flash with “No I won’t try this anymore, it did not work”. I lived 2000 miles from her and visited twice a year when I had vacation time from work. I later talked to neighbors who reported unusual physical changes with bruises and reported falls that were part of the lapse of time in between my visits. I found out then that this was not her first attempt on her life.

Some signs of a person contemplating suicide are:

1. Giving away prized or cherished items. This can be so subtly done that it seems as though the items are being given as a gift because someone admired an item in the past.

2. A sleepy look and yet the person states they are getting plenty of rest and sleeping well. The lower part of the eyes are sometimes without darkened areas under the eyes at all.

3. Keeping somewhat isolated and not leaving the home for anything to do with people. Getting the mail, doing quick errands and store shopping is done on a minimal basis.

4. Very negative talk about others, even family. A person who is thinking about suicide is not satisfied with much about life.

Things to ask if you even think they might be considering taking their life:

1. What may I do to help you to know I care and love you?

2. Are you planning suicide?

3. Do you have a plan to implement taking your life?

4. Would you like me to go with you to your doctors office for an appointment so he/she can help you?

Everyday should be suicide prevention day. These are ideas for you to be aware of when and if you need them some time in your life. Just also know that if a person commits suicide, it is not your fault if they were successful in prematurely ending their life.

- By Roberta Baxter | AC

- Bin Du