It is possible to prevent suicide by paying attention to the signals. Suicide signals should be heeded...
Experts emphasize that talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, making comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless, using expressions that there is no reason to live are important signals about suicide, and these messages should be taken into consideration. Stating that previous suicide attempts are an important risk factor, experts point out the importance of psychiatric help and support.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol made evaluations regarding World Suicide Prevention Day. Signals about suicide should be read correctly Stating that suicide prevention can be possible with some precautions to be taken, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol noted that people with suicidal thoughts give messages with what they say and write, and that these messages should be read correctly and necessary measures should be taken.
Yertutanol said, "Generally, those who talk or write about death, dying or suicide, those who make comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless, those who use expressions that there is no reason to live, those who use alcohol and/or drugs at high rates, those who withdraw from friends, family and society, those who engage in reckless behavior or more risky activities, those with dramatic mood changes are at risk of suicide." Making a suicide attempt is the most important risk Underlining that the most important risk among all risks is "having attempted suicide before", Yertutanol stated that while women attempt suicide more than men, loss of life due to suicide is more common in men.
Psychiatric disorders should be taken seriously
Stating that almost all psychiatric disorders carry a risk in terms of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, Yertutanol said, "Up to 90% of people who attempt suicide have a psychiatric disorder. The most common of these disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, psychosis and personality disorders. On the other hand, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders, which are often accompanied by depression, also carry a significant risk for suicidal behavior."
Is suicidal behavior hereditary?
Yertutanol stated that although a hereditary risk is mentioned in the case of suicide, the relationship between suicidal behavior and genetics is complex: "Since there are many factors that increase the risk of suicide, heredity is not a factor alone. Even if a person has a hereditary predisposition, it is possible for genes that increase the risk of suicide to be activated or inactivated throughout life. Therefore, the impact of the environment, that is, the contribution of education, family, social environment and experiences is very important."
Attention should be paid to severe life events and traumas
Assist. Prof. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol emphasized that those with psychiatric illness, those who have attempted suicide before, those with low social support, those with traumatic experiences, those who use alcohol or substances, those with a family history of suicide attempts, those who have recently experienced a significant tragedy (divorce, academic failure, legal problems, financial problems, bullying) or loss, and those who have access to weapons are especially at risk of suicide. Psychiatric support is important Noting that mental health professionals can determine suicide risk with the help of clinical examinations and tests, Yertutanol underlined the importance of early intervention as well as psychiatric help and support.
