World Mental Health Day Focuses On Suicide Prevention: Know The Warning Signs Of Suicide You Must Watch Out For

2019 World Mental Health Day: A person who is suicidal may experience extreme mood swings

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10. This day is meant to raise awareness about mental issues that millions of people across the world suffer from. World Mental Health Day is organised by World Federation for Mental Health. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2019 is suicide prevention. According to the World Health Organisation, every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide. Depression, anxiety and stress are all detrimental to your mental health. They can also affect your physical health by causing high blood pressure and obesity. Poor mental health can have a negative impact on your day-to-day life as well.

World Mental health day 2019: Warning signs of suicide you must take note of

This World Mental Health Day, we are going to talk about some warning signs and causes of suicide. There can be numerous causes of suicidal thoughts. People usually get suicidal when they are unable to cope up with their daily lives. A tragic event, financial loss or burden, unhealthy personal relationships are also common causes of suicide. It is when people don't see a hope for their future that they end up being suicidal. People think that killing themselves is the only solution to their problems. According to MayoClinic, people who get suicidal thoughts may have a genetic link to it. People who commit suicide are more likely to have family history of suicide. 

Suicidal thoughts can occur to youngsters as well. Entrepreneur and director of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Akshara Dalal shares a personal experience of the stress that youngsters today are going through."The socio-economical contrasts, stress from never-ending demands for better performance in academics, sports etc., relentless temptations in the physical as well as digital environment via social media/ dark web, impending environmental threats have never been higher. This has resulted in extremely stressed, exhausted young generation," she says. 

In such times, it has become nothing short of important to talk about mental health and thoughts about suicide, which are quite likely to occur in the younger generation. Take a look at the warning signs that a person is suicidal.

1. Extreme mood swings

"Mood swings are a sign of unsettled emotions," says psychologist Niharika Mehta. Instead of passing judgements or trying to stay away from someone who exhibits extreme mood swings, you should try to support him/her.

A person who is suicidal can experience mood swings
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: World Mental Health Day: 5 Most Common Mental Disorders People Deal With; Know How To Spot Them Early

2. Feeling hopeless and helpless 

People tend to get suicidal when they feel hopeless and helpless. It is when they feel that nothing around them matters and so is their presence in this world, that they end up getting suicidal thoughts.

3. Unusual sleeping patterns

Sleep does not come easy to those who are sad, depressed and extremely stressed. Or, they might sleep more than usual. You should take this as a warning sign that a person might be getting suicidal thoughts.

Over-sleeping is a warning sign of suicide
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: 5 Ways Yoga Is Benefitting Your Mental Health, Helping You Become A Better Person

4. Irresponsible behaviour

Behaviours such as excessive drinking or smoking, breaking laws, being rebellious, starving oneself or eating excessively unhealthy or allergic foods, constantly getting into fights and arguments etc. are passive self-injurious behaviours that may be a warning sign of suicidal thoughts.

5. Alienating yourself from social gatherings 

A person who gets suicidal thoughts will feel exhausted emotionally and will try to alienate from social gatherings. Furthermore, social situations could be a reminder of their problems and emotional pain. To avoid feeling more negative emotions, people isolate themselves.

Also read: 5 Significant Tips For Improving Your Mental Well-Being At Work

(Niharika Mehta is Psychologist at Hiranandani Hospital Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital in Mumbai)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.