Let's be each other’s keeper

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday April 18, 2023 06:00

Sadly, that is usually the trend. In most suicide cases, the person would have shown signs, but it seems we have become so preoccupied to take notice of behavioural changes in our friends, family, and even close associates. We often talk about being each other’s support system, but sadly, most of the time it is 'just talk' and no action.

The young DJ had been sharing his feelings on social media and most likely many dismissed the posts and sadly that is just how it goes. Life nowadays is hard and it keeps getting harder.

This is the time when we need to stand together and help each other through these challenging times. This unfortunately does not only affect the younger generation, as we have carried reports of even the elderly taking their own lives. Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls an individual’s mood.

That will most likely be visible to those around that person, as the person will most likely be irritable, sleep too much, or experience insomnia and have extreme mood swings just to mention a few.

These signs have to tell those around that person that there is something seriously wrong and that the person needs support more than ever. In today’s busy world, it is not uncommon for close relatives not to see each other for extended periods, which is why some people when they experience serious challenges in life see taking their own life as the only option! We have trained professionals who know how to deal with these kinds of issues, but we have to take a step.

A person who has sunk deep into depression is not in the right state of mind to think positively, hence why we need to be each other’s keepers! It is not irregular for someone who is going through challenges to withdraw from friends and family. As the person's friends and family, we should insist on spending time with that person and find ways of seeking help for our loved ones.

Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness are very common amongst human beings and while some can find ways of shaking them off, it is not all of us that can! It is saddening to see a promising life snuffed when the person could have gotten help on how to deal with stressful situations! Let's take action and pay attention to our loved ones!