It is undeniable that this worldwide pandemic has taken a toll on many. Freedom of movement involuntarily robbed, strict travel restrictions in place curbing and curtailing our every move, economic downturn leading to loss of jobs and income, closure of businesses, unemployment on the rise, the fear of contracting the virus, the inability to spend quality time with friends and loved ones, the challenges of adjusting and adapting to new practices, the loss of human connection. All these and more, are straining our mental health.
One of the most pernicious side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is stress. Covid fatigue and burnout has been subtly inching its way into our lives. It saps our energy, cripples our momentum, and sometimes when one feels all alone and hopeless, one begans to retreat into one’s mind.
Hopelessness. Social-isolation. Impulse control disorder. Self-harm. How can we know if our loved ones are suicidal? Although technology has made communications easier, with video calls and text messages, there is still a pressing need to identify signals and red flags through these forms of communications in the new norm. As a community, we need to consciously act, because these signs should not be simply brushed off as a mere warning, but it should be considered a desperate cry for help.
- Conversations include killing or harming oneself, which may or may not be done in a joking manner.
- Posting and sharing about death or dying on social media
- Sudden change of behaviour
- Sleep lost or oversleeping
- Exposure to suicide – family history or a history of attempted suicide
- Sense of hopelessness – nothing to look forward to in life (blank future)
- Noticeable changes in appearance, sleeping and eating patterns
- Detachment from events or activities that one was previously fond of
Suicidal thoughts are real and distressing. Feeling suicidal is not a reflection of your character, but it signifies that you are experiencing more pain or sadness than you can cope with. You may think that what you are feeling will never end, but do realise that help is at hand, and you can overcome this.
If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is feeling suicidal, feel free to reach out here.
Remember, you are not alone. 
