08/02/2022
W.A.I.T
Battling with life ? Before you do anything W.A.I.T
Over the the last weeks of 2022 Zambia has recorded quite a number of su***de cases. These cases have happened mostly because of “FAILURE” i.e,
Failed relationships ,
Failed academics,
Failing to feel loved,
Failing to feel things will get better ,
Most especially failing to open up.
Su***de means ending your own life. It is sometimes a way for people to escape pain and suffering. Every su***de is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effect mostly on the people left behind.
What to do when thinking about su***de?
Thinking about su***de is scary. You may have strong feelings that are hard to deal with. You may feel like things will never be better, but you are not alone. Many people think about su***de. Thinking about su***de does not mean that you will do it or that you are "going crazy." Thinking about su***de is often a sign that you want to escape. Well, you can escape but not through self death .
There are ways to feel better. Remember, you are loved ,you are not alone ,open up to someone can make you feel better, and that the pain left behind is a bitter pill to swallow . You can start by talking to someone else. You can talk to a family member or friend you trust.
If you have a doctor or counsellor, tell them how you feel. They can teach you skills to deal with thoughts of su***de .
How can I protect myself from su***de?
No one can say that they will never have thoughts of su***de. Here are two things that can help .
The first is to build connections with other.
Feeling connected to others is a big part of protecting yourself from su***de.
Here are ways to build connections:
• Spending more time with friends and family
• Learn new skills from people around you
• Help others
The second is to find help for mental health problems.
Mental health problems are a big part of su***de. You can help protect yourself by finding help for mental health problems early.
common signs of mental health problems:
• Feeling like nothing makes you happy anymore.
• Feeling very sad or hopeless for many weeks.
• Feeling like you cannot cope with things that happen in your life.
• Feeling very stressed or scared for many weeks.
• Noticing strange thoughts or noticing strange things that do not go away. Some people hear voices that other people do not hear.
• Sleeping less or more than usual.
• Eating less or more than usual.
• Drinking more alcohol or using more drugs than usual.
• Taking a lot of time off work or school.
• Avoiding family and friends.
• Feeling "run down" or sick often.
Talk to someone brother , sister , friend, doctor, anyone if you notice these signs. Or talk to someone when you notice any of these signs in someone.