| Suicide is intentional, self-inflicted death and occurs in all cultures. Suicide can also be referred to as Self-Murder, as the person is killing a life, their own. People who attempt or complete suicide usually suffer from extreme emotional pain, distress and feel unable to cope with their problems. A suicidal person is likely (but not always) to suffer from some sort of mental illness, particularly severe depression, and feel they are merely existing, that their future is bleak and hopeless. The majority of people who kill themselves suffer from depression that is often undiagnosed and untreated. Certain aspects of a person's life increase the likelihood that the person will attempt or complete suicide. Studies have shown that one of the best predictors of suicidal intent is hopelessness. People with a sense of hopelessness may come to perceive suicide as the only alternative to a pained existence. People with mental illnesses, substance-abuse disorders such as alcoholism or drug dependence, and behavioral disorders also have a higher risk of suicide. In fact, people suffering from diagnosable mental illnesses complete about 90% of all suicides. Physical illness also increases a person's risk of suicide, especially when the illness is accompanied by depression. About 1/3 of adult suicide victims suffered from a physical illness at the time of their death. Other risk factors include previous suicide attempts, a history of suicide among family members, and social isolation. People who live alone or lack close friends may not receive emotional support that would otherwise protect them from despair and irrational thinking during difficult periods of life. A good number of people who complete suicide give warning signs, although the warnings may not be obvious. (they may take the form of talking about suicide or a wish to die; preoccupation with death; statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness; and references to suicide in drawings, school essays, poems, or notes) Other danger signs include sudden, dramatic, and unexplained changes in behavior and what are called "termination behaviors". These behaviors include an interest in putting personal affairs in order and giving away prized possessions, often accompanied by statements of sadness or despair. A person who observes these signs should ask the person in question whether he or she is thinking of suicide. If so, the observer should refer the person to a trained mental health professional to reduce the immediate risk of suicide and to treat the problems that led the person to consider suicide. Most suicides can be prevented because although the thoughts are real, the suicidal state of mind can be temporary. Suicide has a devastating emotional impact on surviving family members and friends. The intentional, sudden, and violent nature of the person's death often makes others feel abandoned, helpless, and rejected. A family member or friend may have the added burden of discovering the body of the suicide victim. Parents often suffer exaggerated feelings of shame and guilt. Because of the social stigma, or shame, surrounding suicide, survivors may avoid talking to others about the person who died, and others may avoid the survivors. REASONS TO LIVE: written by Vicki F. Duffy I can speak from experience on the real, intense, and disturbing feelings that come with suicidal tendencies. I had 2 serious suicide attempts; one in May of 1993 and the other in September of 1994, where I was 'down' for 7 seconds. In 1994, when I awoke with doctors hovering, I was miserable that I hadn't succeeded. I could not imagine another day in the torment I lived in. I do understand how it is to not want to live another waking moment. Although it was not an overnight success or an instant miracle, I did get through it and now I am so glad that I didn't succeed. It is my hope for all who are struggling, to realize you do have hope and a future on this earth! As far as having anyone I know take their own life, I had 2 relatives: one who ended his life on January 27, 2002 and my mother 5 years later on January 5, 2007. Mom, I love you. I miss you very much. There are Reasons to Live! You may be thinking to yourself, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end it all right now?!" In my opinion, here are 7 good reasons not to end your life & 7 good reasons to live: 1). If you killed yourself, your death will hurt many people, emotionally and mentally. Whether your realize it or not, your death will hurt friends, parents, brothers, sisters, husband, wife, teachers, pastor, neighbors, younger kids that look up to you. 2). If you are considering killing yourself because of what someone has done to you, you would be punishing yourself for the actions of another person/people. Whatever harm was put on you by someone else is not worth ending your life over. You can find strength in knowing that by you getting better and healed in your mind, that in itself is 'payback' to the person who wronged you. 3). If you were to end your life, you would be creating a permanent answer to something that CAN change. Even if your situation has been going on for years, that can change and know that whatever you are going through can be dealt with. 4). Suicide is an extremely devastating occurrence for the people left behind to deal with. There are so many unanswered questions in their minds. Many people who are suicidal feel that they are worthless, that their life would be better without them in it. That is not the case, especially those who love them! The effects the loss has on those loved ones left behind is unexplainable! They are left with guilt, bewilderment, feelings of abandonment, trauma & shock, sadness, hopelessness, and probably more questions than they know what to do with. 5). Should you kill yourself, you will never experience the good things that life has to offer! Although you may not realize it now, there are many good things in life. 6). By overcoming, you can become an inspiration to others, helping others get through what you struggled with. Suicidal thoughts affect many people who cannot break free from the hopelessness. 7). If you are succeeded in ending your life, you would miss what God has for you. Regardless if you believe in God or not, God has a plan specifically for you in this life. (You have a hope and a future) I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 If you are contemplating suicide, know that you are not alone. You may feel alone, but you are not alone. There are people that love and care for you, if you think there isn't, there is at least One that loves and cares about you: You may not believe it, but God loves and cares for you and every aspect of your life. Take a step back from yourself, take a step away from your dilemma - don't react to your situation or your present circumstances as they are only temporary. What you are feeling is real, however your feelings can change just as can your current situation. No matter how long you have been struggling or feeling suicidal, that is temporary, as opposed to ending your life, which is permanent. There are people that care, please reach out! If you are in suicidal crisis, emotional crisis or having a family crisis, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. |
Suicide Information & Prevention:
EndAllThePain.com
Breaking the Silence of Self-Injury
Breaking the Silence of Self-Injury
| The official website for Vicki F. Duffy Author - Inspiring Speaker - Advocate |
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| SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-784-2433 |
"The End is Near" Final Attempt, Vicki's true story of attempting suicide