Suicide Prevention 2024

Suicide Prevention

_Steps to help someone thinking about suicide_

1. Warning Signs- It includes thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Change in usual personality, change in sleeping patterns, withdrawing from family/friends / activities. Increase in risky behaviour such as substance abuse, self harm, promiscuous sex.

2. Active Listening - Just listen actively and be there for the person thinking about suicide. This has greatly helped the survivors. Offers compassion, avoid judgement, accept their feelings and validate their suffering

3. Directly ask about suicide- Asking about suicide is not that you plant an idea in someone's mind. Directly ask the person if they are thing about suicide or if they want to kill themselves.

"Are you thinking about suicide?"

"Are you thinking of killing yourself?"

4. Safety- looking for safety reduces the danger. If they say 'YES' they are thinking about suicide, ask them if they have a plan, if they do, ask them the way they intend to use to carry out the plan.

- Remove/ lock up firearms, medications, belts, ropes, knifes and chemicals.

- Report any concerns on social media.

5. Next Action - Stay with the person in the crisis ( if it's safe for you).

- Call in a relative, family,friend, leader for support.

- Seek professional help and support.

By; Maggie Mukami.

Psychologist and a Mental Health Advocate

Comments

The Evidence Is Clear: Let’s Invest in Prevention, Now More Than Ever

As we mark International Day Against Drug Abuse on today, June 26th, 2025, I write this not just as a health professional but as someone who has walked with communities, seen the pain of addiction, and felt the urgency for change. This year’s theme, “ Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to action. I’ve watched brilliant young minds waste away for lack of guidance, support, and opportunity. But I’ve also seen what hope looks like when a youth chooses mentorship over addiction, when a school, church, or community says “no more” and opens space for dialogue—and means it. According to the UNODC, over 296 million people used drugs in 2021—a 23% increase over the previous decade. In Kenya, NACADA reports that 1 in every 5 youth aged 15–24 has used drugs or alcohol. The evidence also tells us that prevention works. Research shows that up to 30% of substance use reduction can be achieved through early intervention—in schools, families, and co...

Empowering Digital Defenders: My Experience at the BAKE Kenya Training on Harmful Speech and Digital Literacy

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a compelling and transformative training hosted by the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE). The sessions opened my eyes to the subtle and dangerous realities of harmful digital content—misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation—and the urgent need for digital responsibility in our communities. Each concept was clearly unpacked: - Misinformation is false content shared without the intention to deceive. - Disinformation involves intentionally misleading information, crafted to misguide. - Malinformation presents facts that are maliciously shared to cause harm—like leaking confidential data with the intent of damaging reputations. Through impactful case studies, especially in governance and public health, we saw how such content erodes public trust and deepens societal divides. Another key focus was hate speech. We delved into its forms, root causes, and practical solutions, strengthening our understanding o...

Uniting for a Tobacco-Free Kenya: World No Tobacco Day 2025 Celebration

On World No Tobacco Day 2025, a powerful movement took to the streets of Nairobi, rallying for a healthier, tobacco-free future. From the historic City Stadium to Kaloleni Social Hall in Makadara Sub-County, passionate advocates—both young and old—walked together in solidarity, raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products. This symbolic march was more than a procession—it was a message of advocacy, wellness, and healing. With banners held high and educational posters displayed proudly, participants exposed the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry and emphasized the importance of taxation as a means to fund public health initiatives. Along Jogoo Road, the energy was infectious, fueled by a live music band that underscored the urgency of the cause, while walkers engaged bystanders in conversations about tobacco control, countering industry misinformation, and educating youth on the critical risks associated with tobacco use. At Kaloleni Social Hall, the ...

Diplomats For Health In Resilient Community

Search This Blog