Are you depressed? It is a big question and while most people would shy away from admitting it, many others remain unaware of this condition. Often confused with sadness and pessimism, it is easy to mistake this mental disorder for just a “low point” in our life. And it is reason of Suicide.
Shockingly, cases of undiagnosed and untreated depression are rampant. Unsurprisingly, India is home to around 57 million people (nearly 18 percent of the global estimate) suffering from depression, as per WHO Report 2018.
Nowadays Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide in India, which is the second leading cause of death among young Indians, according to a study published in the medical journal The Lancet.
Prolonged depression, if left undiagnosed and untreated, may propagate feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, loss of interest and withdrawal into self. This can ultimately culminate in suicide too, According to the Dr. Kedar Tilwe, consultant psychiatrist, Hiranandani Hospital.
Dr. Parul Tank says that in the recent years the protective family factors have reduced with more isolated lives. And Dr. Tilwe further explains suicide to be a more advanced level of the depression spectrum and advises getting urgent medical help for it.
Depression To SuicideWhat are the symptoms of suicidal tendencies?
Dr. Tank outlines some of the most common signs that a person having a suicidal tendency might show.
* Consistent low mood with loss of interest in activities that one enjoyed previously
* Withdrawal into self
* Negative thoughts and ideas of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness
* Possible substance use
* Talk about self-harm
While most of us would be more than eager to pop pills to give a headache a rest or bid a fever goodbye, the more serious concerns of anxiety, stress, and depression are exasperatingly brushed off.
The stigma and the lack of communication around mental health problems can also contribute to the condition being worsened. Dr. Bhagat advises expression of self during such a stage. “Talking to a close friend, trusted family member or even writing down your feelings helps,” he adds.
Depression To Suicide: Why Indians Are Falling Into The Trap?Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
The most common warning symptoms and signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors include:
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Giving away prized possessions
- Talking about death, dying
- Using phrases such as “when I’m gone…” or “I’m going to kill myself”
- Getting affairs in order
- Saying goodbye to loved ones
Physical Symptoms:
- Scars or injuries from past suicide attempts
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Chronic and/or terminal illness
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- The belief that dying by suicide is the only way to end emotional pain
Psychosocial Symptoms:
- Feeling helpless; trapped by emotional pain
- Psychosis
- Self-loathing
- Intense emotional pain
- Feeling hopeless about a situation
- Sudden changes in personality
- Severe anxiety and agitation
Depression To Suicide: Suicide Warning Signs
