Best Malayali Psychologist
for Suicidal Tendencies

What is Suicidal Tendencies?

Suicidal tendencies refer to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that involve considering, planning, or attempting suicide. These tendencies can range from fleeting thoughts of death to more concrete plans or actions aimed at ending one's life. Suicidal tendencies are often associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse.

What are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

Caregivers, acquaintances, and family members who observe someone displaying symptoms of suicidal tendencies should urge them to seek professional help to prevent complications and improve mental health. Warning signs of suicidal behavior include:
 

Feeling Hopeless: Persistent feelings of anxiety, anger, and agitation, accompanied by a sense of hopelessness and feeling trapped, leading to isolation and suicidal thoughts.
 

Talking About Death: Expressing feelings of being a burden, guilt, and embarrassment, discussing death and the afterlife comfortably.
 

Change in Behavior: Researching methods of painless suicide, changes in appetite, and seeking risky behaviors.
 

Substance Abuse: Engaging in drug and alcohol use as a temporary escape from emotional pain, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts.
 

Social Isolation: Withdrawing from social activities and preferring solitude despite having family around.

Mood Swings: Higher suicidal tendencies in individuals with mood and personality disorders due to emotional instability affecting behavior.

According to the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, women under 30 face increased suicide risk due to societal pressures.

Encouraging a family member showing signs of suicidal ideation to seek therapy is crucial. Koott provides access to competent therapists online, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention for improved well-being.
 

What Causes an Individual to Have Suicidal Tendencies?

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Suicidal tendencies can stem from a complex interplay of various factors in an individual's life. In the context of Kerala, some common contributing factors include:
 

1. Mental Health Issues: Conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse can significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
    

2. Socioeconomic Stressors: Economic hardships, unemployment, poverty, and financial instability can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, contributing to suicidal tendencies.
    

3. Social and Cultural Factors: Social stigma surrounding mental health issues, cultural norms that discourage seeking help, and societal pressures related to education, marriage, and career success can exacerbate emotional distress.
    

4. Family and Relationship Problems: Conflict within the family, dysfunctional relationships, domestic violence, and lack of social support can create emotional turmoil and increase the risk of suicide.
    

5. Traumatic Experiences: Past trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, emotional trauma, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger suicidal thoughts as individuals struggle to cope with overwhelming emotions.
    

6. Access to Means: Easy access to lethal means like pesticides, medications, or firearms can heighten the risk of impulsive suicide attempts.
    

It's essential to address these underlying factors through comprehensive mental health support, social interventions, and community outreach programs to prevent suicide and promote emotional well-being in India.

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What is the Difference between Active and Passive Suicidal Tendencies?

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Active and passive suicidal tendencies represent two distinct ways in which individuals may experience thoughts or behaviors related to ending their own lives:
 

Active Suicidal Tendencies:
 

• Active suicidal tendencies involve direct actions or plans to harm oneself with the intent to die.

• Examples include making specific plans to commit suicide, gathering materials or weapons for self-harm, or actively seeking out ways to end one's life.

• Individuals with active suicidal tendencies may exhibit clear signs of distress and urgency, indicating an immediate risk of self-harm.

Passive Suicidal Tendencies:
 

• Passive suicidal tendencies involve more subtle or indirect expressions of suicidal thoughts or desires.

• Rather than actively planning or attempting suicide, individuals with passive tendencies may express feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or a desire to die without taking concrete steps to do so.

• Passive suicidal thoughts may manifest as fleeting wishes for death or a sense of resignation towards life, often accompanied by a lack of motivation or engagement in activities.

• While less immediately alarming than active suicidal tendencies, passive tendencies still require attention and intervention to address underlying emotional distress and prevent escalation to active self-harm.

Understanding the distinction between active and passive suicidal tendencies is crucial for accurately assessing an individual's risk of self-harm and providing appropriate support and intervention.

What are the causes of Suicidal Tendencies Among Youth?

Teenagers undergo significant social and physical changes during puberty, often leading to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. This vulnerability can contribute to suicidal tendencies, which may be influenced by various factors:
 

1. Social Challenges: Teenagers may struggle to maintain social connections, leading to feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Social rejection or exclusion can exacerbate these feelings and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
    

2. Loss of Loved Ones: The sudden loss of a family member or close friend can trigger intense grief and emotional distress, potentially leading to suicidal tendencies if not adequately addressed and supported.
    

3. Academic Pressure: High expectations and academic pressure from parents, teachers, or peers can overwhelm teenagers, causing feelings of failure, inadequacy, and hopelessness. This stress may contribute to suicidal ideation, especially if the individual feels unable to meet these expectations.
    

4. Feelings of Hopelessness: Persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness can erode a teenager's sense of purpose and contribute to suicidal thoughts. These feelings may stem from various sources, including personal struggles, negative life experiences, or mental health issues.
    

5. Identity Crisis: Adolescents often grapple with questions of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery, which can be particularly challenging during puberty. Confusion or uncertainty about one's identity may increase feelings of distress and lead to suicidal tendencies.
    

6. Bullying and Harassment: Experiencing bullying or harassment at school, online, or within peer groups can have severe psychological consequences for teenagers. Persistent victimization may contribute to feelings of despair, isolation, and suicidal thoughts.

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How to Overcome Suicidal Tendencies?

Here are some steps individuals and caregivers can take to overcome suicidal tendencies:
 

1. Build a Support System: Encourage the individual to reach out to trusted family members, friends, or support groups. Having a supportive network can provide comfort, understanding, and encouragement during difficult times.

2. Seek Professional Help: It's essential to connect with a qualified therapist or mental health professional who specializes in treating suicidal ideation. Therapy can help individuals explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards recovery.

3. Focus on Positivity: Encourage the individual to focus on positive aspects of their life, including their achievements, strengths, and future goals. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can help shift their perspective and alleviate feelings of hopelessness.

4. Practice Self-Care: Encourage self-care practices such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Taking care of one's physical and emotional well-being is essential for managing suicidal tendencies.

5. Create a Safety Plan: Work with the individual to develop a safety plan that outlines coping strategies, emergency contacts, and steps to take during moments of crisis. Having a plan in place can provide a sense of control and support during challenging times.

By prioritizing support, professional help, positivity, self-care, and safety planning, individuals can take proactive steps towards overcoming suicidal tendencies and finding hope and healing.

How to Support a Friend with Suicidal Tendencies?

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1. Listen without Judgment:
   Be there for your friend and listen attentively to what they have to say, without criticizing or judging them. Let them know you're there to support them, no matter what.
    

2. Take Their Feelings Seriously:
   Validate your friend's emotions and show that you understand the depth of their struggles. Avoid downplaying their feelings or offering quick fixes, and instead, acknowledge the seriousness of their situation.
    

3. Encourage Professional Help:
   Suggest that your friend seek help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in dealing with suicidal thoughts. Offer to assist them in finding resources or accompany them to appointments if they're hesitant.
    

4. Stay Connected:
   Maintain regular contact with your friend and check in on them frequently. Show them that you care about their well-being and are available to provide support whenever they need it.
    

5. Offer Practical Support:
   Help out with practical tasks or chores that may feel overwhelming for your friend. Whether it's running errands or cooking a meal, offering practical assistance can ease some of their burdens.
    

6. Be Patient and Understanding:
   Understand that recovery takes time, and your friend may experience setbacks along the way. Be patient, supportive, and understanding throughout their journey to healing.
    

7. Take Care of Yourself: Supporting a friend with suicidal tendencies can be emotionally taxing, so make sure to prioritize your own well-being. Seek support from others and practice self-care to ensure you're in the best position to help your friend.

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And remember Koott is here, for all your concerns leave us a message. Let's talk!