Suicide: Expert advocates attention to language, behaviours
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, has advised Nigerians to pay attention to the language or behavior of someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Ajiboye said, a person contemplating suicide usually exhibited symptoms like isolation, distracted thoughts, hopelessness, indifferent or strange behaviors.
“If you suspect someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, discussing topics like suicide of self-harm with an open mind can encourage others to share the concerns that made them contemplate suicide.
“Maintaining patience is important when dealing with a person having suicidal thoughts because your agitation or restlessness can add to the person’s woes. Motivating the person to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, sleeping on time, exercising regularly, can help in reducing suicidal tendencies,” he said.
According to him, the family members or common friend can be of great help to handle any risky unpredictable behaviours.
“Seek professional help or medical intervention from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to help the person experiencing suicidal thoughts,” Ajiboye said.
He said other symptoms are fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and neurocognitive and sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem.
Ajiboye advised that, the people should always be on their toes and ready with a safety plan in case of somebody contemplating suicide.
He urged people to remove things like knives, pills and razors that can potentially provoke suicidal tendencies.
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