KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent –This country on Thursday registered another suicide death, the third since high school student Romario D. Sayers killed himself on April 26.
Reports reaching I-Witness News, indicate that Alleyne Cozier, 36, of Prospect, originally of Sandy Bay, committed suicide on Thursday.
Cozier killed herself six months after giving birth to twins.
Her death comes days after 26-year-old Kendol Lee was found dead in his Glamorgan home around 3 p.m. Monday.
He is also believed to have killed himself.
Sayers, a 16-year-old student of the St. Vincent Grammar School, committed suicide, two weeks ago.
Suicide prevention information
HELPGUIDE.org says that any suicidal talk or behaviour should be taken seriously since it’s not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide but is a cry for help.
While a suicidal person may not ask for help that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted, the resource says.
“Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die—they just want to stop hurting,” the online resource said, adding that suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously.
“If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. Speak up if you’re concerned and seek professional help immediately! Through understanding, reassurance, and support, you can help your loved one overcome thoughts of suicide.”
While many suicidal person might not exhibit any change in behaviour, the American Psychological Association said that you should be concerned if someone you know:
- Talks about committing suicide
- Has trouble eating or sleeping
- Exhibits drastic changes in behavior
- Withdraws from friends or social activities
- Loses interest in school, work or hobbies
- Prepares for death by writing a will and making final arrangements
- Gives away prized possessions
- Has attempted suicide before
- Takes unnecessary risks
- Has recently experienced serious losses
- Seems preoccupied with death and dying
- Loses interest in his or her personal appearance
- Increases alcohol or drug use.
If you suspect that someone is contemplating suicide, you can contact a religious leader, social worker, counsellor or officials at the government’s Social Welfare Department.
Helpguide.org further says:
Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult for anyone. But if you’re unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask. You can’t make a person suicidal by showing that you care. In fact, giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express his or her feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings, and may prevent a suicide attempt.
Ways to start a conversation about suicide:
- I have been feeling concerned about you lately.
- Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.
- I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately.
Questions you can ask:
- When did you begin feeling like this?
- Did something happen that made you start feeling this way?
- How can I best support you right now?
- Have you thought about getting help?
What you can say that helps:
- You are not alone in this. I’m here for you.
- You may not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling will change.
- I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.
When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold off for just one more day, hour, minute — whatever you can manage.