Suicide prevention counselling is one of the most effective ways to support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts, especially in Kerala where suicide rates remain a pressing concern. With compassionate support, open conversations, and access to counselling services in Kerala, it’s possible to help loved ones overcome despair and find healthier coping strategies. Suicide is one of the most pressing issues in Kerala today. According to statistics, Kerala ranks fourth in India in terms of suicides. For every suicide, there are likely many more attempts that go unreported. Your friends or acquaintances may have often shared thoughts with you about such things. However, these conversations are frequently dismissed or not given the importance they deserve, sometimes even being treated as a joke. Suicide is a highly sensitive issue that needs to be taken seriously and addressed with the necessary attention and care. Online counselling in malayalam
The support of those around and open conversations can, to some extent, help curb such tendencies. In addressing the growing suicide crisis in Kerala, it is critical to properly address the issue and utilize the services of Malayalam counseling systems and psychologists.
How to Tell If Someone Is Really Struggling? suicidal tendencies in a person
Signs of suicidal tendencies in a person, as mentioned earlier, often include subtle or direct indications that they are considering suicide. If someone has been showing changes in their behavior or personality over the past few days or appears to be troubled by some kind of distress, initiating an open conversation with them is the best step you can take. Suicide Prevention Counselling
Along with this, ensuring they receive the necessary professional help through suicide prevention counselling or psychological support in Kerala is essential for improving mental health and addressing the underlying issues effectively.
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- A recent suicide attempt.
- Frequently saying things like, “I’m tired of life,” “Why live like this?” or “It’s better to just die.”
- Complaining about being troubled by suicidal thoughts.
- Engaging in risky or unnecessary activities with a high likelihood of death, deliberately or knowingly.
- Feelings of Hopelessness: Expressing feelings of despair, worthlessness, or believing there’s no way to improve their situation.
- Withdrawal from Others: Isolating themselves from family, friends, and social activities they once enjoyed.
- Increased Substance Use: Turning to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with emotional pain.
- Loss of Interest: Losing interest in hobbies, work, or activities they previously cared about.
- Expressing Guilt or Shame: Constantly voicing feelings of guilt, shame, or self-hatred.
- Recent Trauma or Loss: Experiencing a significant life event, such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, or job loss, which may trigger suicidal thoughts.
How to Help Someone Who Feels Like Giving Up | Suicide prevention counselling
Talking to someone who is feeling suicidal requires empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach. Here’s how you can approach such a conversation:
1. Start the Conversation
- Approach them calmly and let them know you’ve noticed they seem upset or withdrawn.
- Use open-ended questions like:
- “You’ve seemed really down lately. Do you want to talk about what’s going on?”
- “I’m worried about you. Are you okay?”
2. Be Direct but Gentle
Ask directly about suicidal thoughts if you suspect they have them. For example:
- “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- “Have you been feeling like you don’t want to live anymore?”
- Asking won’t encourage suicidal thoughts—it shows you care.
- Let them express their feelings openly. Don’t interrupt or try to “fix” their problems immediately.
- Avoid saying things like “You’ll get over it” or “It’s not that bad.” Instead, validate their emotions with responses like:
- “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, but I’m here to listen.”
4. Show Empathy and Support
Use reassuring phrases:
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- “I care about you.”
- “You matter to me, and I want to help.”
- “You’re not alone in this.”
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5. Encourage Professional Help
Encourage professional help — Suggest they reach out to a therapist, counselor, or doctor for support. Offer to help them find resources or even accompany them if needed.
Native language support — Suicide prevention counselling in Kerala is more effective when provided in Malayalam, as individuals can express emotions more openly in their mother tongue.
Cultural understanding — Malayalam-speaking therapists understand Kerala’s family dynamics, social structures, and stigma around mental health, making therapy more relatable and impactful.
Building trust and openness — Communicating in one’s native language fosters comfort, trust, and deeper connections during Malyalam counselling sessions.
6. Avoid Criticism or Guilt
Don’t say things like “Think about how this will hurt your family” or “You have so much to live for.” These statements can make them feel ashamed or misunderstood. Malayalam psychologist online
7. Stay Calm and Patient
Even if they’re struggling to open up or seem resistant, remain supportive. Let them know you’re available to talk whenever they’re ready.
8. Help Them Create a Safety Plan
If they’re open to it, help them think of steps to take during a crisis, such as contacting a friend, calling a hotline, or engaging in a calming activity.
9. Know When to Step In
If they’re at immediate risk, don’t leave them alone. Contact emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline for immediate help.
10. Follow Up
Check in on them regularly after the conversation. Consistent support can make a big difference in their recovery.
By showing genuine care, listening without judgment, and encouraging professional help, you can provide a lifeline to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts. How to find Malayalam online counsellor
What to do when your near ones show suicidal tendencies/ ideation - how can you help them
If someone close to you is showing signs of suicidal thoughts, it’s important to approach the situation with care, patience, and understanding. Here’s what you can do:
1. Take Them Seriously
- Never dismiss their feelings or assume they are seeking attention.
- Treat any mention of suicide as a cry for help and act accordingly.
2. Talk to Them
Start an open and non-judgmental conversation. Use phrases like:
- “I’ve noticed you seem really down lately. Do you want to talk about it?”
- “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- It’s okay to ask directly about suicide—it won’t plant the idea in their mind.
3. Be a Good Listener
- Allow them to express their feelings without interrupting or offering immediate solutions.
- Avoid saying things like “It’s not that bad” or “You’ll get over it.” Instead, validate their emotions by saying things like, “That sounds really hard. I’m here for you.”
4. Encourage Them to Seek Help
- Gently suggest they talk to a therapist, counselor, or doctor.
- Offer to help them make an appointment or accompany them if they feel nervous.
- Communicating in one’s native language allows individuals to express their emotions more comfortably and authentically, fostering trust and openness.
- These therapists understand the cultural and societal factors unique to Kerala, such as family dynamics and stigma around mental health, making their approach more relatable and impactful.
5. Remove Immediate Risks
If they have access to anything they could use to harm themselves (medications, weapons, etc.), try to remove or secure these items.
6. Stay Connected
- Check in on them regularly to show your continued support.
- Encourage them to spend time with loved ones and avoid isolation.
7. Know When to Call for Help
If they have a plan or seem to be at immediate risk, don’t hesitate to contact a suicide prevention hotline or emergency services ,best Malayali psychologists online
8. Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone through suicidal ideation can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you also seek support for yourself if needed.The key is to be present, patient, and proactive. Your support can make a life-saving difference.
How important are support centers
A person with suicidal tendencies needs the support of others until they achieve complete recovery. It is helpful to discuss their problems and decide on further steps to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Health professionals must continue to stay connected with relevant centers to make sure the person feels secure. If these centers take responsibility for the individual, it is essential to maintain communication with the healthcare worker.
- They should also be encouraged to reach out whenever needed, and assistance should be provided to facilitate this process.
- Suicidal tendencies are a mental state that can occur to anyone at any time. If it becomes evident that someone is at risk of suicide, efforts must be made to prevent it.
- This responsibility does not lie solely with mental health professionals. Family members, friends, public health workers, and those involved in social services must collaborate to address the issue.
- Many people end their lives simply because they feel, in a specific mental state, that there are no alternatives to suicide
Malayalam therapy sessions and Malayalam-speaking psychologists are highly effective in supporting Malayalis facing suicidal tendencies.
- Communicating in one’s native language allows individuals to express their emotions more comfortably and authentically, fostering trust and openness.
- These therapists understand the cultural and societal factors unique to Kerala, such as family dynamics and stigma around mental health, making their approach more relatable and impactful.
- Tailored therapies, like CBT or counseling, help address underlying issues such as depression or anxiety, providing coping strategies to reduce suicidal thoughts.
- Accessibility through online platforms further ensures that individuals can seek help privately and conveniently.
If you notice that your friend or someone you know is showing suicidal tendencies, it is important to ensure they receive the necessary suicide prevention counselling and professional support. In Kerala, many misconceptions still surround mental health and counselling services , which often prevent people from seeking timely help. By understanding these issues correctly and encouraging trusted counselling services in Kerala, you can improve their mental state and guide them toward healing and recovery.
Happily, join hands with someone as a friend or for the person you are referring to, and take the first step toward such efforts. Online counselling in Kerala
Take the first step—explore trusted suicide prevention counselling in Kerala with Oppam today.
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