Suicide During the Holidays

It is past Halloween and the Christmas season is now fast approaching. With candies now being replaced with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, many people overlook the dark side of this supposed merry season.

Preventing Suicide During The Holidays

Suicide is on the rise, and it is especially rampant around the holidays. Christmas is a particularly difficult time for a lot of people. It doesn’t matter if they are rich, poor, in a relationship, have a good job or in any other situation. The person who commits suicide all too often slips by our detection.

Family:

There are various reasons why people think of, attempt or commit suicide around the Christmas season. Family is a big one. We all have problems, even within our own family ties. There is the dysfunctional family that leads to holiday distress and the building up of tensions that ultimately lead to a family fight.

Loss of family members is another big factor. When a loved one commits suicide or is tragically lost in an accident or illness, it has a serious impact. Whenever Christmas approaches, we are reminded of that loss. There is a natural sadness that is to be expected, but it can take a turn for the worst. A person can get “stuck” in that sadness and that becomes depression.

Job:

We all have stress. Sometimes or more frequently than we think, stress is rampant in the work force. A lot of people juggle two jobs and try to maintain college or university as well. Loss of a job is on top of the list. In this day, layoffs, downsizing and other factors that lead to job loss is getting all too common. There is nothing more humiliating than losing your job right around the holidays.

Workplace bullying is the worst. Whether a person is dealing with co-workers, a supervisor or dealing with both, it takes a serious toll on anybody’s mental and emotional health. Around the holidays, the bullying can just be too much.

Relationship:

Of course, there is the interpersonal relationship. We all know of couples that have more stress accumulated as Christmas approaches. There are the arguments and disagreements that take place and every couple face so many obstacles from family, friend, exes and many other factors.

Domestic violence and abuse are serious warning signs in a relationship. There is a great danger to both parties as the victim and the abuser. There are some cases when the abuser kills his/her partner before taking his/her own life. Of course, the victim is at great risk not only for the situation they are in but the fact that at Christmas, it is the most isolated and lonely of times.

Spotting the Warning Signs

No matter what situation you are in, we can prevent suicide by being aware of the following warning signs when someone is at risk of suicide.

1. Sudden change in behavior. Do you notice anything unusual? Is their usual attitude becoming a little too opposite? For instance, does a normally chipper and smiling person suddenly becoming quiet, seeking solitude a lot and seems to be even grouchy? Does a normally quiet person become a little too loudly cheerful? These are the changes you should be aware of. Crying, muttering to themselves and sudden outbursts of anger are also warning signs.
2. Missing work or school. Any absence that is frequent or long around the holidays could mean a bad flu or illness, but you also have to take into account that this could be a sign. Did the person blow off the Christmas party or leave early unexpectedly?
3. Addictions. Is the person drinking more than they should at the Christmas party? Or more often than they should after work or even at lunch? Are they coming late more often, even if it is by a few minutes frequently? Whether it is drinking, drugs or gambling, these are signs you cannot ignore.

When we pay attention to the warning signs and understand the factors that lead to suicide during the holidays, we can do something to prevent it. Take the person aside and try to talk to them even if it is for a few minutes. Get others aware of the situation and have them keep that person engaged in social gatherings.

Let them know that they are not alone. Visit them unexpectedly or drop them a line more often to see how they are doing. There are ways to prevent suicide and together, we can.

So enjoy this holiday season and keep aware of everyone around you.