It's ok if the ONLY thing you do today is BREATH. our tomorrow NEEDS the unique- U #Prevent SUICIDE

    IS PATH WARM is an acronym used to identify warning signs of suicide. Each letter represents a specific risk factor:

1. I = Ideation:
   • Explanation: Suicidal thoughts or talking about wanting to die.
   • Example: Someone might say, “I can’t see any way out.”
2. S = Substance Use:
   • Explanation: Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
   • Example: A person might start drinking heavily or using drugs more frequently.
3. P = Purposelessness:
   • Explanation: Feeling like life has no meaning or purpose.
   • Example: Expressing thoughts like, “There’s no point in going on.”
4. A = Anxiety:
   • Explanation: Severe anxiety, agitation, or inability to sleep.
   • Example: Constantly feeling on edge or having panic attacks.
5. T = Trapped:
   • Explanation: Feeling trapped or believing there is no way out of a situation.
   • Example: Saying things like, “I feel stuck and can’t escape.”
6. H = Hopelessness:
   • Explanation: Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness about the future.
   • Example: Believing that things will never get better.
7. W = Withdrawal:
   • Explanation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities.
   • Example: Avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself.
8. A = Anger:
   • Explanation: Uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.
   • Example: Exhibiting sudden outbursts of rage or talking about getting back at others.
9. R = Recklessness:
   • Explanation: Engaging in risky or reckless behaviors.
   • Example: Driving recklessly or taking dangerous risks without concern for safety.
10. M = Mood Change:
    • Explanation: Dramatic mood changes or sudden shifts in mood.
    • Example: Going from extreme sadness to sudden calmness or happiness.

Recognizing these signs can help in identifying someone at risk and taking appropriate action to provide support and intervention. 

The root causes of suicide can be broadly categorized as 

- mental health issues, 

- social and environmental factors, and 

- individual circumstances.

1. Mental Health Issues: Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour. These conditions can create immense emotional pain and suffering, leading some individuals to contemplate or attempt suicide as a way to escape their inner turmoil.

2. Social and Environmental Factors: Social isolation, interpersonal conflicts, bullying, discrimination, trauma, abuse, and exposure to violence can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions. Additionally, access to lethal means, such as firearms or medications, can heighten the risk of completing a suicide attempt.

3. Individual Circumstances: Personal challenges such as financial difficulties, loss of a loved one, chronic physical illness, substance abuse, and major life transitions can exacerbate stress and trigger suicidal crises for some individuals

It's important to recognize that these root causes often interact and intersect, and each person's experience is unique.

    

Safety Plan

Creating a safety plan is a crucial step in preventing suicide. Here are model questions and answers for each section of the safety plan:

1. Early Warning Signs

Question: What are the early warning signs (thoughts, images, moods, behaviours, situations) that a crisis might be happening?

Answer:

• Thoughts: “I can’t handle this anymore,” “Everyone would be better off without me.”
• Images: Visualizing self-harm or imagining a funeral.
• Moods: Feeling hopeless, extremely sad, or anxious.
• Behaviours: Withdrawing from friends and family, neglecting responsibilities.
• Situations: Facing a major life change, experiencing a significant loss.

When Things Are Really Breaking Down

Question: What happens when things are really breaking down? 

List things you do and what is happening around you.

Answer:

• Things I Do: Isolate myself, stop eating or sleeping properly, cry frequently.
• What Is Happening Around Me: Increased arguments with loved ones, feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks, experiencing financial or work-related stress.
Things I Can Do to Distract Myself

Question: What are some things I can do to distract myself and take my mind off my problems?

Answer:

• Go for a walk or exercise.
• Watch a favorite movie or TV show.
• Engage in a hobby like painting or playing a musical instrument.
• Call a friend to chat about something unrelated to my problems.


Internal Coping Strategies

Question: What internal coping strategies can I use to take my mind off problems and feel calm?

Answer:

• Prayer: Recite a comforting prayer.
• Affirming Quote or Mantra: “This too shall pass,” “I am strong and capable.”
• Relaxation Strategy: Practice deep breathing exercises, meditate, or do yoga.
People I Can Call to Ask for Help

Question: Who are the people I can call to ask for help? (Name and phone number)

Answer:

• Friend: -------
• Family Member: --------------
• Neighbor: ------------
• Professionals I Can Call to Ask for Help ------------

Question: Who are the professionals I can call to ask for help? (Names and phone numbers)

Answer:

    Question: Who are the professionals I can call to ask for help? (Names and phone numbers)

Answer:

• Therapist: [Your therapist’s name and contact number]
• Crisis Counselor: The Indian National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1800-121-3667. This helpline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for distressed people.

Doctor: [Your doctor’s name and contact number]

It’s important to have these contacts readily available in case you need immediate support. If you don’t have a therapist or doctor, consider contacting local mental health services to find one.

Question: What are the things I need to do to make my environment safe?

Answer:

• Remove any sharp objects or medications that could be used for self-harm.
• Ensure that I have a safe and comfortable space to retreat to.
• Inform a trusted person about my situation so they can check in on me regularly.


My Two Biggest Reasons for Living

Question: What are my two biggest reasons for living?

Answer:

• My family loves and supports me.
• My passion for helping others and making a positive impact in the world.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

India Suicide Helpline Directory | AASRA

91-9820466726

Emergency number

112

Creating and regularly updating a safety plan can be a powerful tool in managing crises and maintaining mental health. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please seek professional help immediately.

Cognitive 

De-construction

Understanding cognitive De-construction, a psychological concept that sheds light on the mental state preceding a suicidal crisis, is of utmost importance. It encompasses several key aspects, each vital in comprehending the psychological processes involved.

1. Narrowing of Focus: 

This aspect, marked by a significant reduction in the breadth of a person's thoughts and attention, severely impacts their ability to see the broader context or consider alternative perspectives as they approach a suicidal crisis. Their focus becomes excessively fixated on specific concerns or problems, making it challenging for them to perceive other aspects of their life or entertain potential solutions beyond their immediate struggles.

For instance, individuals may find themselves consumed by their current distress, unable to perceive other aspects of their life or entertain potential solutions beyond their immediate struggles. 

2. Dampening of Emotions:

In this phase, emotional responses become muted or dulled, leading to difficulties in experiencing joy, hope, or emotional connection with others. The affected individual may feel emotionally disconnected from loved ones or activities that once pleased them. This emotional numbness can make it hard for them to derive any emotional fulfilment from previously enjoyable pursuits or maintain meaningful connections with the people in their lives.

For example, they might struggle to derive any emotional fulfilment from previously enjoyable pursuits or maintain meaningful connections with the people in their lives, which can be a significant social impact of the condition.

 3. Time Constricts to the Present: During this stage, the person's perception of time becomes restricted to the immediate present, creating challenges in envisioning a future or recalling past positive experiences. They may feel as though their current suffering is endless and believe that they will never experience improvement in the future. As a result, they may struggle to envision a way out of their distress or remember times when they felt happier or more hopeful about the future. 

4. More Rigid, Less Abstract Thinking: This aspect involves a shift towards concrete, inflexible thinking and a diminished ability to engage in abstract or creative thinking. This cognitive rigidity can result in a narrow, black-and-white view of their circumstances and an inability to consider alternative solutions 

For instance, an individual may become convinced that their situation is entirely without hope and that suicide represents the only viable option, excluding the possibility of any alternative paths forward.

Some More :

1) Each of us is a unique individual with our own circumstances and paths. Embracing this uniqueness empowers us to contribute to the world in our own special way. 

2) Your thoughts significantly impact your actions and well-being. Strive to maintain a positive mindset to cultivate better outcomes.

3) It's completely normal to make mistakes and encounter setbacks. Embracing these experiences is part of the human journey and allows for growth. Remember, self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal development. 

4) You shouldn't feel obligated to justify your decisions to anyone. You have the freedom to make choices based on what's best for you. This freedom is liberating and puts you in control of your own life.

5) Past mistakes shouldn't weigh you down indefinitely. Learn from them, seek forgiveness from yourself if necessary, and move forward with grace. 

6) Taking a leap of faith is often the first step towards achieving great success. Dare to seize opportunities that come your way. This courage to seize opportunities will lead you to new heights.

7)  Making the right choices, even if they're difficult, will never lead to regret in the long run. This confidence in your decision-making will guide you towards your goals. 

8) Sometimes, things have a way of resolving themselves, despite the initial challenges or uncertainties. Trust in the process and remember, it's okay to seek help when needed. This resilience and resourcefulness will guide you through the toughest times.

HELP YOURSELF BY YOURSELF