Learn the risk factors and warning signs, which include depression, change in personality, self-harm behavior recent life crisis and conversation about wanting to die. If a family member or friend talks about suicide, take them seriously. Listen without judgement and encourage them to seek professional help .
What are some of the most common suicide warning signs?
Some of the more common warning signs that a person may be thinking of ending their life include:
Being sad or moody: The person has long-lasting sadness and mood swings. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide.
Sudden calmness: The person suddenly becomes calm after a period of depression or moodiness.
Withdrawing from others: The person chooses to be alone and avoids friends or social activities. They also lose of interest or pleasure in activities they previously enjoyed.
Changes in personality, appearance, sleep pattern: The person’s attitude or behavior changes, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. Also, they suddenly become less concerned about their personal appearance. They sleep much more or much less than typical for that person.
Showing dangerous or self-harmful behavior: The person engages in potentially dangerous behavior, such as driving recklessly, having unsafe sex or increase their use of drugs and/or alcohol.
Experiencing recent trauma or life crisis: Examples of crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job or serious financial problems.
Being in a state of deep despair: The person talks about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or being in severe emotional pain.
Making preparations: The person begins to put their personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will and cleaning up their room or home. Often the person will search online for ways to die or buy a gun. Some people will write a note before attempting suicide.
Threatening suicide or talking about wanting to die: Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it.
However, every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.
Can suicide be prevented?
In many cases, suicide can be prevented.
The best way you can help prevent suicide is to:
Learn the risk factors for suicide.
Be alert to the signs of depression and other mental health conditions.
Recognize suicide warning signs.
Provide caring support.
Ask directly if the person has considered hurting themselves.
People who receive support from caring friends and family and who have access to mental health services are less likely to act on their suicidal impulses than are those who are isolated from support.
Information provided by: Cleveland Clinic
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