Unfortunately, recently the number of suicides has increased sharply, preventive work in this direction has become especially relevant, and this topic is being raised again and again in the press and in various educational and rehabilitation institutions.
All of the above is inextricably linked with the term suicidal behavior, and, unfortunately, in the modern world, everyone needs to at least in general terms understand what it is. Perhaps this knowledge will one day help you save the life of a loved one. After all, it is as important as possible to consult a specialist as soon as possible.
The psychology of suicidal behavior is still not fully understood, which seriously complicates the work with patients. Moreover, not all suicidologists agree on what can be called suicidal behavior. Some insist that this concept should include any manifestations of aggression directed at oneself, as well as self-destructive behavior: alcoholism, drug addiction, even smoking, as well as drunk driving, knowingly getting into fights, religious fanaticism associated with self-torture and so on.
However, most scientists are inclined to define suicidal behavior as behavior directly related to preparation for suicide. There are two stages of suicidal behavior: pre-suicidal and suicidal.
The first is characterized by thoughts about voluntary withdrawal from life, the construction of abstract plans, thoughts on the method of suicide, however, a person does not take real actions at this time. The duration of this stage is fixed, and ends, as a rule, with a suicide attempt. Fortunately, not always successful.
It is believed that suicidal behavior is most characteristic of adolescents, and this is partly true, because their psyche is most mobile and prone to stress, not protected and not flexible. However, older people are no less at risk when health problems are added to other factors. Very often, people with incurable diseases associated with pain or other unpleasant symptoms, choose voluntary care.
There are several types of suicides: true suicide, informed and deliberate choice; affective suicide committed under the influence of emotional stress, often under the influence of psychotropic substances, drugs or alcohol; and demonstrative-blackmail, when the goal of suicidal behavior is not death as such, but a demonstration of intentions with the aim of obtaining any benefits. Despite the apparent unwillingness of a person to die, demonstrative suicide in 2/3 cases leads to death.
Prevention of suicidal behavior is a complex process that requires timely qualified assistance and collaboration of psychologists and close associates. First of all, it is necessary that the person himself, or his relatives, should turn to specialists as soon as possible.
In order for this to be possible, it is necessary to know how suicidal behavior manifests itself. Below are some signs that you need to pay attention to have a chance to prevent a tragedy.
Depression can serve as the basis for the development of suicidal behavior, since it seriously reduces a person’s self-esteem, makes it possible to exaggerate the significance of negative incidents in life and to doubt one’s strength.
Anxiety can also be a sign of impending danger. The fact is that contrary to the general opinion that depression manifests itself through melancholy, in about half the cases it is characterized by anxiety, insomnia, etc. And it is these people who are more likely to come to the desire to commit suicide, as their nervous system is overloaded.
Talking about suicides, as well as thematic sites and questions in the history of a search engine on the Internet should also alert relatives and may become an occasion to turn to a psychologist.