Suicide Warning Sign.

 

Suicide Warning Sign.

Nobody can predict exactly how another person will react to troubling or difficult periods in life. But, there is often at least one clear suicide warning sign that a friend or loved one may be considering suicide. Two out of every three people who commit suicide talked about suicide to friends or family. Even more gave clear warning signs before they committed suicide. A suicide warning sign usually occur in clusters, so often several warning signs will be apparent.

People contemplating suicide give warning signs, often in hopes that they will be rescued. If someone tells you that they feel suicidal, take them seriously. Give them the time they need to talk about how they feel and refer them to someone best able to help them. A doctor, counselor, social worker or minister are options for referral. If they appear acutely suicidal, you may need to get them to a hospital emergency department.

Common Suicide Warning Signs: Pay close attention to these suicide warning signs:
_ Suicide threats, direct and indirect.
_ Obsession with death.
_ Poems, essays and drawings that refer to death.
_ Dramatic change in personality or appearance.
_ Irrational, bizarre behavior.
_ Overwhelming sense of guilt, shame or rejection.
_ Changed eating or sleeping patterns.
_ Severe drop in school or work performance.
_ Giving away belongings.
_ A previous suicide attempt, even if the suicide attempts seemed staged or designed to get attention.
_ Talking about being dead or wishing they were dead, how others would be happier if he/she were dead or how much better off others will be when he/she is gone.
_ Repeatedly engaging in very risky or dangerous thrill-seeking behavior.
_ Making plans for the care of loved siblings, parents, relatives or pets.
_ Giving away cherished belongings to close friends.
_ Extreme mood swings; very depressed episodes followed by happy episodes with no clear reason for the change.
_ Regular expressions of worthlessness, helplessness, sadness and/or loneliness.
_ Drastic changes in habits, friends, or appearance, ie; new friends, skipping school, dropping out of favorite activities, and no longer caring about appearance or cleanliness.
_ Changes in weight, sleeping habits, and physical activity.
_ Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities that once gave the person pleasure or a sense of identity.

A suicide warning sign should be taken seriously. Obtain help immediately. Caring and support can save a life. In addition to the common suicide warning sign signals, there are a number of situations that place people at an increased risk of suicide. It is important to know the suicide risk indicators, in addition to the suicide warning signs.

Conditions associated with increased risk of suicide;
_ Death or terminal illness of relative or friend.
_ Divorce, separation, broken relationship, stress on family.
_ Loss of job, home, money, status, self-esteem, personal security.
_ Alcohol or drug abuse.
_ Depression.
_ Anxiety disorders.
_ Chronic or overwhelming pain.
_ Social isolation.
_ Difficult times, like holidays, anniversaries, the time surrounding the diagnosis of a major illness, the time surrounding disciplinary proceedings.
_ Previous suicide attempts by a family member or friend.
_ Problems at school.
_ Family violence.
_ Sexual abuse.
_ Major family changes.

Again, nobody can predict exactly how another person will react to troubling or difficult periods in life. But, knowing the suicide warning signs can be a life-saving help to the friend or loved one who may be considering suicide.

If you suffer from depression and have strong suicide urges, please seek the help of a professional therapist as soon as possible. You can find mental health professionals who specialize in suicide prevention by looking in your local Yellow Pages under Mental Health and/or Suicide Prevention. Local crisis lines may also be available. If not, call (800)-SUICIDE.

If in the midst of an acute suicide attack, check yourself into the emergency room or tell someone who can help you find help immediately. This is not the time to try to handle the situation alone. After getting past the immediate risk of suicide, it is crucial to find effective help for depression.

Related Articles on Suicide: Depression and Suicide II If You Want to Commit Suicide II Suicide Prevention II Suicide Statistics II Suicide Warning Signs II Antidepressants and Suicide II Youth Suicide II Adolescent Suicide II Teen Suicide Statistics II Elderly Suicide II