• 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?

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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.

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Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism

Is Skipping Breakfast Harming Your Metabolism? Here’s What You Need to Know

Introduction

We've all heard the saying: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But in our fast-paced lives, skipping breakfast has become a common habit. Whether it's due to running late, following a weight-loss plan, or simply not feeling hungry, many people routinely skip their morning meal. But have you ever stopped to think — is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind breakfast, its impact on metabolism, and whether missing this meal can actually do more harm than good.

 

What is Metabolism?

Before we dive into the breakfast debate, let’s first understand metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in your body that convert food into energy. This energy fuels every function in your body — from breathing and digesting to moving and thinking.

A healthy metabolism is essential for:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Proper digestion

  • Regulating body temperature

  • Hormonal balance

  • Cellular repair
     

Your metabolic rate — how fast your body burns calories — can be affected by age, genetics, physical activity, and diet.

 

The Role of Breakfast in Metabolism

Breakfast literally means "breaking the fast." After a night of sleep, your body has gone hours without food. Eating in the morning gives your metabolism a kickstart. It signals your body that it's time to get moving, burning calories and using energy.

Here’s how breakfast helps your metabolism:

  • Boosts metabolic activity early in the day.

  • Helps regulate blood sugar levels.

  • Reduces the likelihood of overeating later.

  • Supports muscle mass and overall energy levels.

  • Helps in maintaining a healthy weight over time.
     

 

Skipping Breakfast: Common Reasons

People skip breakfast for several reasons:

  • Time constraints during busy mornings

  • Lack of appetite in the morning

  • Belief that skipping breakfast leads to weight loss

  • Following intermittent fasting diets
     

While skipping a meal occasionally isn’t dangerous, making it a regular habit can have long-term effects on your health and metabolism.

 

What Happens When You Skip Breakfast?

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter — is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?

Here's what science and experts suggest:

1. Slower Metabolism

When you skip breakfast, your body stays in "fasting mode" for longer. This may slow down your metabolism as the body tries to conserve energy.

2. Increased Cravings & Overeating

People who skip breakfast often report stronger hunger pangs later in the day. This can lead to overeating during lunch or snacking on unhealthy foods — both of which can negatively impact your metabolism.

3. Insulin Resistance

Skipping breakfast regularly may cause insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to process sugar. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which are linked to a sluggish metabolism.

4. Poor Energy & Concentration

A lack of morning fuel can make you feel sluggish, tired, and unfocused. Low energy levels can lead to reduced physical activity, which also slows down metabolism.

5. Disrupted Hormonal Balance

Your hormones — especially those that control hunger and metabolism like cortisol, ghrelin, and insulin — get affected when you skip meals. This imbalance may reduce your body's metabolic efficiency.

 

What Do Studies Say?

Research offers mixed results. Some studies show that skipping breakfast is associated with weight gain and metabolic issues, while others say it depends on the person’s overall diet and lifestyle.

However, most nutritionists agree: a balanced breakfast supports metabolic health and can help in managing weight more effectively.

 

Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Boost Your Metabolism

If you’re convinced to bring back breakfast into your routine, here are a few healthy and metabolism-friendly options:

  • Oats with nuts and fruits

  • Greek yogurt with berries

  • Boiled eggs and whole grain toast

  • Smoothie with spinach, banana, and protein powder

  • Upma or poha with vegetables

  • Dalia or khichdi with ghee
     

These meals are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats — all of which keep you full and help your body burn calories more efficiently.

 

Tips to Never Skip Breakfast Again

  • Plan Ahead: Prep your breakfast the night before.
     

  • Keep It Simple: A banana and peanut butter toast is better than nothing.
     

  • Set an Alarm: Wake up 10 minutes early to make time for a quick meal.
     

  • Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, drinking water first thing in the morning can stimulate appetite.
     

  • Listen to Your Body: Eat when you're hungry, but don’t wait too long after waking up.
     

 

Conclusion

Skipping breakfast may seem like a harmless or even helpful habit, especially for those trying to lose weight or save time. However, over time, this can lead to reduced energy, poor concentration, increased cravings, and — most importantly — a sluggish metabolism.

So if you’re still asking yourself, "Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?", the answer is: very likely, yes.

Make time for a nutritious breakfast and give your body the healthy start it deserves. Your metabolism will thank you!

 

CTA:
Start your day right and give your body the fuel it needs — because “Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?” isn’t just a question; it’s a health wake-up call. Don’t skip it. Fix it!

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