Depression is a mental health disorder with severe consequences if not treated. It is caused by biological, psychological and social factors. It can affect a person’s ability to work, play, and enjoy a normal life. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. There comes a point during depression when a person feels hopeless about future and that they will never find happiness again. He/she may feel that life is not worth living. They are experiencing unbearable emotional pain and may feel like a burden on everyone. They feel trapped and at that time suicide seems as the only option to escape.

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

People who are planning to commit suicide show some warning signs before executing it.

• Talking about death and suicide all the time.
• Symptoms of depression are getting worse (feel more sad, loss of interest, sleeping and trouble eating)
• Reckless activities and life risking behaviour
• Talking about hopelessness in worthlessness
• Calling or visiting loved ones as if saying the last goodbye.
• Looking for ways to kill themselves
• Extreme mood swings
• Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious and agitated
• Withdrawing and isolating themselves from left ones
• Showing extreme anger, irritability and rage
• Making a plan or gathering material for suicide (pills, weapons, rope, poison etc)
• Feeling that friends and family would be better off without them
• Feeling extreme guilt and shame

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, just remember there are ways to deal with them and believe that the way you’re feeling right now, will not last for long.

FEW WAYS TO REDUCE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

• Talk to someone about it : a suicide helpline, or get profesional help. You can also talk to someone on an app called WeHeal. It is an Android app which has a motive to help people heal. You can share your feelings anonymously in open letters aur personally talk to the healers of the app. You will be kept anonymous. The healers will reply to your open letters and provide you with non-judgemental answers. They will be supportive, understanding and caring. no one can take screenshot your screen record your chat. You can share every kind of problem on WeHeal app, whether you’re feeling helpless, hopeless and are not able to do anything about these suicidal thoughts or any other issues relating to studies, careers, relationships, Heartbreak etc. Talking to someone help you know that you’re not alone and there are people who will help you fight this.

• Write it down : write down the feelings which are causing you to think of suicide and then write the things which may preventive from doing such thing.
• Try meditation and deep breathing : meditation and deep breathing helps you calm down I and relax. The WeHeal app also provides meditation sessions along with happiness quiz and mini game to increase your patience.
• Distract your mind : do activities that would divert your mind from suicidal thoughts. Go out with family or friends, or watch movie or listen to songs that you love.
• Go out for a walk or a run. Do some physical activity (sports, exercise, yoga or anything else)
• Don’t do anything that makes your mood worse
• Read something encouraging : try to read something that gives you motivation. You can also find inspiring short stories and quotes on the WeHeal app.
• Avoid being alone : spend as much time as you can with people whom you love. Don’t stay near toxic people who criticize or judge you.
• Avoid alcohol, drugs or smoking : these things increase the risk of suicide.

Suicide may seem as the only option to escape the misery, but it is not. It’s really important to share what you’re feeling. It will release most of the stress and pressure that has been building up inside you. You may feel that this pain and unhappiness will never end, but it is important to remember that this will end soon. Depression makes us feel this way. Don’t let it rule your mind. It can be treated and solutions are found, seek help from your mental health counselor who is treating you for depression. Don’t lose hope, you will get through this.