Warning Signs of Suicide
It is important to know that there is no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when an individual experiences an extreme sense of hopelessness as a result of stressors, triggers, and other health issues. Depression is the most common diagnosis associated with suicide, but other behavioral health conditions such as anxiety and substance abuse, also pose an increased risk of suicide. Suicidal ideations can manifest differently in each individual, but it is important to be familar with the common warning signs that may indiciate someone is having thoughts of suicide. It could save a life!
|
|
If someone talks about:
- Suicide or wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
- Feeling they area burden to others
If someone's change in behavior includes:
- Abuse or increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Searching for methods on how to end their life
- Withdrawing from their favorite activities/self-isolation
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Communicating with loved ones to say goodbye
- Giving away personal items
- Fatigue
If someone displays one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritablity
- Shame
- Aggression
- Sudden improvement
YOU CAN HELP!
- Stay calm and listen to their feelings
- Tell them you care about them
- ASK directly if they have suicidal thoughts or feelings
- Take threats seriously!
- Don’t swear to secrecy
- Minimize giving advice
- GET HELP! You can’t do it alone!
Contact family, friends, youth pastors, teachers, counselors, coaches, doctors or crisis lines, or hospital ER
|