WHAT IS GOING ON INSIDE A DEPRESSED MIND
THAT MIGHT LEAD TO SUICIDE AND HOW TO
"People who commit suicide do not want PREVENT IT?
to die, but rather to end their pain."
Depression is considered a mental illness. It is
defined as sadness, loss, or anger that interferes
with a person's daily activities.
Sadness is a natural human emotion.
Depression, on the other hand, is more than
that. Depression is defined as extreme sadness
or despair that lasts more than a few days. It
interfering with daily chores may cause physical
symptoms such as discomfort, weight loss or
increase, unusual sleeping patterns, or a lack of
vitality.
Inability to focus, excessive guilt, or feelings of
worthlessness are other symptoms of depression
that some people experience, coupled with
suicidal or fatal thoughts.
Depression is the most common mental illness.
So, what is actually going on within the mind of a
depressed person?
According to a study and interview conducted by
Cynthia Lubow (2013), the world can physically
appear to be a gloomy place during a significant
depressive episode. What was once beautiful
may now appear unattractive, bland, or even
sinister. Depressed people may assume that
their loved ones, including their own children, are
better off without them. Nothing appears to be
reassuring, joyful, or worth living for. There is no
apparent chance for things to improve, and
history is reinterpreted and perceived as
confirmation that everything has always been
horrible, and will always be.
It's tough to remember or believe what looked
typical before the experience when this reality
change occurs. Anything that contradicts what
the person believes during the episode appears
to be as improbable as a memory or message
telling him or her that the sky is purple. For
example, if a person is unable to feel love for a
spouse and someone reminds him or her that he
or she used to experience that love, the person
may assume he or she was lying to
himself/herself and others—even if he or she
truly felt it at the time. Because the person
cannot recall feeling the love and cannot feel it
during the episode, he or she believes that he or
she never felt it. The same thing happens when
we experience happiness or pleasure. Attempts
to reassure the individual that he or she used to
be happy and would be happy again can make
the person feel even more misunderstood and
alienated because he or she believes it isn't true.
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
An essay by
Everything, including prior triumphs and
what had given life purpose, appears
meaningless. Everything that gave the
person a sense of worth or self-esteem is
gone. These assets or achievements no
longer matter, appear real, or are
overwhelmed by negative self-images.
All they feel is misery, and sometimes they
commit suicide as a result of their terrible
self-images. That is why it is critical to
understand that people who commit
suicide do not want to die, but rather to
end their pain.
The majority of suicidal people exhibit
warning indications or clues of their
intentions. Recognizing these warning
signs and knowing how to respond to them
is the most effective method to prevent
suicide. If someone suspect a friend or
family member is suicidal, one can help
prevent suicide by pointing out
alternatives, expressing genuine concern,
and involving a doctor or psychologist.
Talking about killing or harming oneself,
talking or writing a lot about death or
dying, and seeking out items that could be
used in a suicide attempt, such as
firearms and drugs, are all major warning
signals for suicide. These warning signs
are considerably more dangerous if the
person has a mood illness, such as
depression or bipolar disorder, is addicted
to alcohol, has attempted suicide in the
past, or has a family history of suicide.
Hopelessness is a more subtle, yet as
hazardous, warning sign of suicidal
thoughts. According to research,
hopelessness is a strong predictor of
suicide. People who are hopeless may
express "unbearable" emotions, forecast a
dark future, and claim that they have
nothing to look forward to.
JEVYROSE BULAWIN
Suicide prevention
If you notice suicide warning signals in
someone you care about, you may wonder
if you should intervene. What if you're
mistaken? What if the person becomes
irate? It's natural to feel uneasy or terrified
in such situations. Anyone who talks about
suicide or exhibits other warning
indicators, on the other hand, requires
immediate assistance—the sooner the
better.
It can be extremely difficult for anyone to
talk to a friend or family member about
their suicidal thoughts and feelings.
However, the easiest approach to
determine whether someone is suicidal is
to ask.
Tip 2: In a crisis, act immediately.
If a friend or family member expresses a
desire to die or commit suicide, it is critical
to assess the person's immediate danger.
Tip 3: Offer assistance and support.
If a friend or family member is suicidal, the
best thing you can do is listen to them. Let
your loved one know they are not alone
and that you care about them. However,
do not accept responsibility for your loved
one's healing. You can provide assistance,
but you cannot make a suicidal person
better. They must make a personal
commitment to their recovery.
References:
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/inside-head-
depressed-person-
0110134#:~:text=Everything%20seems%20meani
ngless%2C%20including%20previous,overshadow
ed%20by%20negative%20self%2Dimages.
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression#tr
eatment
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depres
sion-recognizing-signs-of-suicide
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-
avoid-depression
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-
prevention/suicide-prevention.htm
BSPSY 2A