Is it possible to predict suicide?

A common societal reaction to reports of suicide would be; “s/he was mad!”, “s/he had everything he ever needed”, “s/he had it all so why did he commit suicide?”. A good number of people would start criticising the person who committed suicide. No one would ever consider why that person would commit suicide. Sadness is an emotion. It can occur due to biological or environmental factors and can occur in any individual of any age or any gender at any time.

Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Worldwide, suicide is still the third-leading cause of death. Suicide claims more lives each year than HIV, malaria, breast cancer, or even war. According to a research by United for Global Mental Health, suicide is still regarded as a crime in several nations, with penalties ranging from a fine to one to three years in prison. 

Around the world, almost 800,000 people commit suicide every year, or about one every 40 seconds. For people between the ages of 15 and 29, suicide rates as the second-leading cause of mortality globally. The main factor contributing to disability worldwide is depression. According to a WHO research released in August 2021, low- and middle-income countries account for almost 79 percent of suicides. According to a 2021 study, vulnerable groups in low- and middle-income nations, including as women, sexual minorities, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), are most susceptible to suicidal ideation, attempts, and suicide deaths.

Let us explore what its warning signs are.

If you knew the warning signs of suicidal thoughts, couldn’t you bring such people back to life?  If your answer is yes then you must know the warning signs of suicidal thoughts. 

Such people may often talk about death or self-harm without fear.  There is no meaning in life, why live on earth; such questions may arise. They may see themselves of low worth, saying I am a burden for others, I am good for nothing. If someone’s drug or alcohol use changes, it may be a sign that they are going through a challenging time and are adapting their behaviour to deal with the challenges.  The withdrawal from friends and family, altered eating and sleeping habits, inability to enjoy previously pleasurable activities, mood fluctuations, and desire for vengeance are all signs that someone may consider suicide. These people might disclose their condition to their friends or close family members, although this may be done covertly and frequently goes unnoticed. A mental health expert should be consulted if you notice such a shift in behaviour in someone you know. Make sure they are aware that there is someone they can talk to because they need help.