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Published on: Sep 11, 2021
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Should You Do If Someone Tells You They Are Thinking About Suicide?

What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?

First, remember that suicide is almost always an impulsive decision, and it can be prevented if the person gets immediate treatment. Second, don't leave the person alone. Keep them talking, let them know you care about them and give them someone to call for help. Third, try not to make any promises to the person as they will most likely break those as well. Fourth, encourage them to seek outside professional help such as a hotline or psychiatric hospitalization-inpatient program which usually requires a referral from a physician who knows the individual well enough to feel comfortable making this recommendation.

Fifth and last but not least important- remember that everyone has good days and bad days! Sometimes things just seem impossible when you.

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, it's very important to understand that most suicidal people think about dying and not actually doing it. Suicide is a plan and the person with the plan is thinking through how they will do this. This means we can increase their safety by showing we care and taking practical steps to manage risk. For every "I want to kill myself" statement, there might be an underlying message of significant despair or hopelessness up for your interpretation which you need to pay attention to as these may lead you to a productive dialogue where hope can be reignited.

Being calm and reassuring and providing an emergency contact and encouraging them to call should be your first response. This may not work though so it's important you have other follow-up steps in place.

1) Educate yourself about this situation so that you know how best to help the person in crisis, talk with a specialist if necessary.

2) Avoid aggressive or hostile reactions, instead, try being empathetic while not dismissing their feelings because suicidal thoughts are always a sign of extreme emotional distress.

3) Let the person know they can trust you to listen without judgment before gradually guiding them towards professional help - offer reassurance that treatment is only temporary but necessary for their wellbeing

Suicidal thoughts may come from a sudden, strong feeling of despair and hopelessness. It can be as if an instant storm has been dumped on your head, drenching you with the cold, dark water of death. You might feel as if no one will ever or could ever understand how bad it seems to you right now. All this weight feels so heavy and out of control, that suicide starts to seem like a way out. But there is hope!

Acknowledge the person's feelings by telling them "I'm sorry that you're going through this". Trying to say their name to get their attention and then ask them how they are doing.

If the person is at imminent risk, call Emergency. Seek medical attention or go to a hospital for self-care services. Offer to stay with them or call for help if they refuse both options. Speak calmly and clearly, listen to their troubles without judgment, be patient and understanding. Let them know you want to help and that they are not alone through these challenges (or tell them anything else comforting). If they seem like they'll be OK on their own but could use some nonjudgmental support later that day or tomorrow, offer to take care of them then. If you're feeling intimidated by this situation (thinking "I can't do this!"), please remember that this person came

One of the most dangerous situations is when a suicidal person points a gun at themselves while they are sitting in front of you. In that situation, get on your knees and then slowly touch it from behind. By touching the gun from behind, there's no chance he will suddenly turn around and shoot before you have time to react. Tell him clearly that you're getting the bullet away from him, so he doesn't hurt anyone else. If he wants to talk about what's going on or if he shows any interest in giving up, try to listen calmly for a while without criticizing or interrupting them too much.

Listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgment or judgment. Reassure the person that you will do anything they need you to do if they continue with their suicidal thoughts.

Help them consider a way out of it by giving them a number for a hotline or a crisis line, as well as the option to call an emergency. Reach out to someone yourself who can help calm your nerves and may know what strategies might be helpful in this situation if it ever happens again.

1. Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt from the person's reach, including guns, knives, razors, medications, and other potentially lethal items.

2. Calmly tell them they don't want to do it for any given reasons you can think of--because life is worth living no matter how difficult or painful various aspects may be at times because there are people who care about them and will miss them if they die by suicide.

3. Refuse to leave until someone else arrives who can talk with the person further and assess their mental state.

Read Blog

common health problems during seasonal change

Seasonal changes bring relief from extreme weather, but they also pose unique challenges to human health. Transitions between summer, monsoon and winter often trigger a rise in illnesses. The body requires time to adapt to changing temperature, humidity and environmental conditions. During this adjustment period, immunity may weaken, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and other health problems.

Understanding common health problems during seasonal change helps individuals take preventive measures and seek timely care.

Why Seasonal Change Affects Health

Seasonal transitions impact the body in several ways:

sudden temperature fluctuations stress the immune system
humidity changes promote pathogen growth
allergens become more prevalent
lifestyle habits shift with weather

These factors collectively increase illness risk.

1. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are among the most common health problems during seasonal change.

Causes

viral and bacterial growth in changing weather
increased indoor crowding
weakened respiratory defences

Symptoms

cough
sore throat
fever
nasal congestion

Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable.

2. Common Cold and Flu

Seasonal transitions often coincide with cold and flu outbreaks.

Why They Increase

viruses survive longer in certain climates
immunity temporarily weakens
exposure increases during travel and gatherings

Symptoms

runny nose
sneezing
body aches
fatigue

3. Allergies

Seasonal allergies become prominent during weather shifts.

Common Triggers

pollen
dust
mould
air pollution

Symptoms

sneezing
itchy eyes
nasal congestion
throat irritation

Allergic symptoms can mimic infections and are often overlooked.

4. Digestive Problems

Digestive issues such as acidity, gas and indigestion are common during seasonal change.

Contributing Factors

altered eating patterns
contaminated food or water
reduced digestion efficiency

Symptoms

bloating
abdominal discomfort
nausea

5. Skin Problems

Changes in humidity and temperature affect skin health.

Common Issues

dryness
fungal infections
rashes

Poor skin barrier function increases infection risk.

6. Viral Fevers

Viral fevers are common during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Symptoms

sudden fever
body pain
headache
weakness

Early rest and hydration are essential.

7. Joint and Body Pain

Seasonal change may worsen joint stiffness and body aches, especially in individuals with arthritis.

Causes

cold weather
reduced physical activity
inflammation

Why Immunity Drops During Seasonal Change

Immunity may weaken due to:

temperature stress
vitamin deficiencies
poor sleep
increased stress

According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, immunity-related illnesses increase during transitional seasons.

Who Is Most at Risk?

High-risk groups include:

infants and children
elderly individuals
pregnant women
people with chronic diseases
individuals with low immunity

Extra care is required for these groups.
people with diabetes, heart disease,lung disease, kidney disease

Prevention of Seasonal Health Problems

Maintain Good Hygiene

Frequent handwashing reduces infection spread.

Support Immune Health

Balanced nutrition, hydration and adequate sleep strengthen immunity.

Stay Physically Active

Regular movement supports circulation and immune function.

Eat Fresh and Safe Food

Avoid stale or contaminated food during high-risk seasons.

Stay Vaccinated

Vaccination helps prevent seasonal flu and related complications.

Manage Allergens

Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated.
mask use in crowded places, safe water, mosquito protection in monsoon.

Early Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Seek medical advice if experiencing:

persistent fever
breathing difficulty
severe weakness
worsening symptoms

Early intervention prevents complications.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive care focuses on:

early detection
risk reduction
long-term health protection

Seasonal health awareness is a key part of preventive medicine.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Seasonal Illness

Repeated seasonal illnesses may lead to:

chronic respiratory problems
weakened immunity
reduced quality of life

Prevention protects long-term health.

Conclusion

Common health problems during seasonal change include respiratory infections, colds, allergies, digestive issues and viral fevers. These conditions arise due to sudden weather changes, weakened immunity and increased exposure to pathogens. By understanding the causes and symptoms and adopting preventive measures such as good hygiene, balanced nutrition, adequate rest and timely medical care, individuals can significantly reduce seasonal illness risk. Seasonal transitions are inevitable, but proactive health practices ensure smoother adaptation and better wellbeing throughout the year.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Seasonal Disease Surveillance Report
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Immunity and Morbidity Data
World Health Organization (WHO) – Seasonal Illness Prevention Guideline
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Climate Health Reports
Lancet – Climate Change and Seasonal Disease Patterns
Statista – Seasonal Illness Trends and Public Health Data

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