COVID-19 has come with a lot of hurdles

COVID-19 has come with a lot of hurdles

COVID-19 has come with a lot of hurdles. People have lost jobs. There is no social interaction; the effects of curfew and lock-down are frustrating – there is a lot of struggle. And with this trend, we risk experiencing an escalated number of suicide cases due to the challenges posed by this pandemic.

Did you know that before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic about one million deaths were being recorded annually as a result of suicide? What about amidst this worldwide pandemic?

There is hope in the storm. Suicide is preventable.

This article provides you with tips on how to recognize suicide signs in a person, and the measures you can take to save a life.

Recognize and acknowledge the warning signs of suicide

The first step in preventing suicide is to recognize the warning signs of suicide in a person. And for this reason, you need to be very vigilant for you to spot any abnormal talk or behaviour in a person.

Have you known that suicide victims always show signs of committing suicide? Yes, they do. However, you can ignore some of these signs only to talk about your ignorance once life is lost.

When you see any of the signs below in a person, then you need to know that the person is at risk of committing suicide regardless of how low the risk may be. Therefore, your intervention is essential to restore a healthy state of life in such a person.

Warning signs of suicide

• Altered sleeping patterns
• Abnormal alcohol and drug consumption
• Social withdrawal especially from friends, relatives and social activities
• Unusual eating habits – loss of appetite or overeating
• Suicidal talks like, “I would rather die than leave”, “I’m not better than those who have died”, thinking of self-harm

Assess the risk factors for suicide

Suicide does not c come by default. People plan to commit suicide – and it can either be executed or not.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people face many challenging situations in life, some of which may be unbearable. However, we need to face realities in life and live with them, even if we feel so much stretched.

For you to be a good ambassador in the prevention of suicide, consider the following as risk factors for committing suicide

• Loss- this can be loss of loved one through sudden death, break up in a relationship, loss of valuable property, dropping out of school due to lack of finance, loss of job….and the list continues.
• Terminal illness with a lot of pain like in case of cancer
• Previous attempts to commit suicide
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Mood disorders
• Mental illness

So, if you know any person undergoing the above challenges, then be informed that they are at risk of committing suicide. And you’re needed most to avert any plan that may lead to loss of life.

Assess the level of suicide risk

The speed at which you need to provide your interventions to prevent loss of life depends on the level of suicide risk.

The level of suicide risk can either low, moderate, high or severe. For a low-risk level, the person has some suicidal thoughts but do not plan to commit suicide. But for moderate levels, the person has suicidal thoughts with a small plan to commit suicide.

In high-risk case, the person present with suicidal thoughts with a good plan on how to execute the suicide process, though still maintains that they are not planning to commit suicide.

And finally, a person in severe risk has suicidal thoughts characterized by a dangerous plan to commit suicide and boldly confirm that they are planning to commit suicide. This risk is level is lethal and requires swift intervention.

Don’t keep quiet, speak up

Now that you know the warning signs and the risk factors of suicide, your next move is to take action to avert attempt of suicide and loss of life.

Don’t take anything for granted. This person is now your client. Engage the person in an elaborate conversation. Provide a listening year and let your client talk – listen to the non-verbal statements and provide warmth so that your client can pour out their mind.

Show empathy – a feeling of togetherness and never be judgmental but instead give hope and encouragement.

Help to reduce the risk of suicide by removing any gadget, drugs, or any harmful object that may be used to commit suicide.

Do appropriate referral

You can’t provide all the needs of your client. So don’t struggle beyond what you can afford to provide. Do your best to the client and then refer to another level for further management.

Develop a referral plan and discuss with your client about shared confidentiality before referring them to the next person. Explain the benefits of the referral to the client to avoid resistance.

You can consider the following referral options based on your suicide risk assessment

• Mental health specialist
• Religious leaders
• Psychiatric doctor
• The administration/Police

Follow up on the recovery progress

Don’t give up until your client attains full recovery. Follow up on the recovery progress. Offer continuous support and a sense of availability to the client, but be careful to avoid dependency and terminate your services when appropriate.

In Summary

You’re an essential asset in suicide prevention in your family, community and society.

If you become vigilant in recognizing the signs of suicide, assessing the risk factors and the levels of risk, and not ignoring to take action when required, then we’re going to eliminate deaths due to suicide.

Be your brother’s keeper. Save life.