During the pandemic, we have been exposed to chronic stress, loss of family and/or friends, economic crisis, among other situations that have generated an increase in cases of moderate to severe depression, becoming a serious public health problem. Unfortunately, when this disorder is not treated properly, it is usually accompanied by negative thoughts such as disappearing or threatening your own life. For this reason, it is important not to miss any warning signs and to carry out timely interventions. Antonella Galli, a psychologist at our institution, provides us with more information on this topic.

Warning signs

The signals that can alert us are:

• Changes in attitude. The people affected are usually not the same as before
• Lack of sleep
• Irritability
• Very little willingness or energy to do things at home or to attend classes, among others

These symptoms may evidence a depression, so it must be treated in a timely manner to prevent intensification and suicidal thoughts to appear.

On the other hand, if the person has BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), and despite being in treatment, suddenly manifests feeling good, is very affectionate, calm and wants to stop the treatments; it can be an alert that this person is thinking of attempting against his/her life. It is also important to see what you post on your social networks, as these could help to identify the existence of a problem

Risk factor’s

The main risk factor that leads to suicidal behavior is the act of having tried it before and not doing it. On the other hand, among other factors are:

• Depression
• Little impulse control
• Substance abuse
• Borderline Personality Disorder (without treatment)

How can we prevent suicidal behavior?

It can be prevented by helping the affected person with adequate psychiatric and psychological treatment, in addition to family support that is essential in the process.

In the case of BPD (Borderline Personality), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is recommended, as well as the support of a psychiatrist to help with physiological emotional regulation.

Antonella Galli
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma