World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day is a day, which reminds us of the importance of paying attention to mental health and supporting those, who may be vulnerable.

Suicide (or suicide) is the act of intentionally and consciously ending one’s own life.

Every year thousands of people decide to commit suicide. Human destinies are hidden behind these numbers, suffering and illness, which could have been prevented.

People may have thoughts and attempts at suicide, faced with various stressful situations and various risk factors. Below are some of the most common factors, which may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions:

• depression, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other mental illnesses;
• social isolation and lack of family support;
• family conflicts, divorce, domestic violence;
• financial difficulties, bankruptcy, job loss and other economic hardships;
• the death of a loved one can cause deep pain and sadness;
• addiction to drugs or alcohol;
• People with chronic or severe physical illness may have a higher risk of suicide due to physical and emotional suffering;
• faces, have already attempted suicide, have an increased risk of retries.

Recognizing signs of a possible suicide threat can be challenging, but there are some methods, who can help detect such situations and provide assistance to those in need. Important to remember, that the presence of one or more of these features does not necessarily mean, that the person is definitely going to commit suicide, but they may indicate a need for intervention and support.

• Expression of suicidal thoughts or intentions: if a person talks or writes about something, that he wants to die, commit suicide or that the world would be a better place without him.
• Preparing for suicide: this may include the purchase of lethal means, as well as planning the details of the act of suicide.
• Isolating oneself from the outside world: the person may begin to avoid socializing with friends and family, withdraw into oneself, become isolated.
• Behavior change: increased alcohol or drug use, changes in sleep and appetite, as well as decreased interest in usual hobbies.
• Asking for forgiveness or saying goodbye: a person can begin to say goodbye to loved ones, leave letters or notes, expressing a desire for forgiveness.
• Expression of despair: the person may talk about feeling helpless, the meaninglessness of life or that, that he has no future.
• Change in emotional state: severe depression, anxiety, irritability, feeling of alienation or apathy.
• Loss of interest in the future: the person may see no hope for their situation to improve.
• Changing appearance and personal care: a person neglects personal care and appearance.

You should never ignore such signs, and it is best to talk to this person openly and sensitively, expressing your concern and willingness to help.

Where to go for help?

8 september 2023 direct telephone lines will be established:

– with 9-00 to 11-00 by phone. 8(0232)33-57-24 on the basis of the public health department of the state institution "Gomel Regional Hygiene Center, epidemiology and public health” psychologist Olga Aleksandrovna Kunger will answer your questions;

– with 9-00 to 11-00 by phone. 8(0232)30-63-47 at the Gomel Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital institution, the head of the organizational and methodological department, Pavel Mikhailovich Bukatov, will answer your questions.