People fail to understand the warning signs of a suicidal person.
A senior psychiatrist with the National Referral Hospital, Dr. Damber K. Nirola said suicide warning signs are physical or mental indications that is noticeable in people who are likely to die by suicide.
Understanding suicidal signs on time can prevent most of the suicide cases.
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Recently, a teenage girl died by suicide in Samtse.
Including her, three teenage girls had tried to die. One is recovering at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu and the third one is undergoing counselling.
Damber K. Nirola said people in different age group show different suicidal signs, which people fail to, understand. For instance, children staying away from friends and families are a typical suicidal signs among children and teens.
“If you look at the children and teens, they make subtle statements such as life is not worth living or I want to die by suicide, these are called suicide statements, so we have to take them very seriously.”
Dr. Nirola said another symptom is preoccupation with death.
“We see many teenagers or young people express a lot in the form of writing, in their Facebook posts or even in pictures, so if they are preoccupied with the theme of death, then we have to take that very seriously.”
Likewise, children and teenagers showing aggressive and hostile behaviour, running away from home and becoming quiet and withdrawn are other suicidal signs.
In adults, substance abuse and depression are some common warning suicidal signs.
“Now, if you look at the adults, their behavior is little different.
Dr. Nirola said sometime losing a job or going through a divorce could trigger depression. “Depression is a big factor which could lead to suicide.”
Similarly, a previous suicide attempt and giving away personal possessions are also other suicidal signs in adults. People suffering from drug and alcohol addiction need to be taken seriously.
The psychiatrist said leaving elderly people alone for a long time could lead to suicide.
If people exhibit such signs or go through similar situation, seeking help from professionals such as psychiatrists, counsellors and psychologists are recommended.
