Suicide: Red flags

IN view of the fact that the country has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, family and loved ones should be alert to any signs that a person is contemplating taking his or her own life.

The leading cause for suicide is untreated depression, mostly as a result of hurtful experiences in life.

These include:

Bullying (adults, as well as children, can be bullied)

The death of a loved one

Being victimised (domestic violence, rape, assault)

A divorce, separation, or breakup of a relationship

Losing custody of children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair

Chronic physical pain

A serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house or money

A serious or terminal illness

A serious accident

Intense emotional pain

Loss of hope

A loved one being victimised

Physical abuse

Verbal abuse

Sexual abuse

Feeling ‘trapped’ in a situation perceived as negative

Serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or the threat of incarceration

The inability to deal with a ‘humiliating’ situation or failure

Addiction

Low self-esteem

Signs of suicidal tendency should not be ignored

Talking or joking about dying, writing morbid stories or poems

Becoming withdrawn or reclusive, spending much time alone or sleeping

Identifying with heroes or famous people who committed suicide

Identifying with sad stories and music

Reckless behaviour or many accidents that result in injury

Giving away possessions

Saying goodbye to family and friends as if it’s for the last time

Seeking out or researching means to kill themselves

Getting into trouble with authority figures, fighting with friends and family

Change in peer group

Substance abuse

Who to call?

Reach out for help to a trusted relative or the social worker at your place of work or study.

Contact Life Line Zululand on035 7897788.

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