About Suicide

Suicide Warning Signs

People who are suicidal nearly always give signals that they are in danger of harming themselves. Some of the warning signs of an individual who is at risk are:

• Change in Personality. Sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic
• Change in Behavior. Can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks
• Change in Sleeping Patterns. Oversleeping or insomnia, sometimes with early awakening
• Change in Eating Habits. Loss of appetite and weight or overeating
• Loss of Interest. In friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed
• Worry about Money or Illness. Either real or imagined
• Fear of Losing Control. Fear of going crazy, harming self or others
• Feeling helpless, worthless. "Nobody cares, everyone would be better off without me."
• Feelings of Overwhelming Guilt, Shame or Self-Hatred
• Feeling hopeless. "It will never get better, I will always feel this way."
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse
• Recent Loss - Death, divorce, loss of job, self-confidence, self-esteem
• Loss of Religious Faith
• Agitation, Hyperactivity, Restlessness
• Suicidal Impulses, Statements. Plans to harm self, giving away favorite things

According to the American Association of Suicidology, studies reflect that more than 90% of persons who complete suicide struggled with mental illness. Those with the following diagnoses are at particular risk: depression, schizophrenia, drug and/or chemical dependency and conduct disorders (in adolescence).

More than one of these signs means that a person may be at particular risk and needs immediate attention. We have included more information on what to do for someone at risk. Adolescents, lesbian and gay youth and the elderly are particularly at risk for suicide.

What To Do

• The suicidal person should have someone with him or her at all times.
• Often after talking or seeking professional help, the individual may seem out of immediate danger of harming themselves. However, since suicidal thoughts often recur, the person needs sustained support for the next several days or weeks.
• Take all suicidal talk seriously. If you have any doubts about someone harming themselves, take immediate action. The old cliché "better safe than sorry" is appropriate when assessing a possible suicide attempt. Encourage the person to talk about their feelings and thoughts. Listen to the feelings behind the words.
• Evaluate the seriousness of the problem. Ask directly if the person is thinking of killing him or herself, if he or she has a plan, e.g., how it would be done and when. Asking does not cause a person to commit suicide. On the contrary, talking usually helps to relieve the burden of suicidal thoughts.
• Take action to do something tangible: arrange a meeting with a therapist, a school counselor, a trusted family member.
• Validate feelings and be supportive. With any suicide, there is ambivalence about taking one's own life. Often a suicidal person feels out of control and is relieved that someone else is making decisions.
• Do not promise total confidentiality. You may need to involve others in the solution. Let the person know that everything will be done to prevent him or her from taking their life. Seek Professional Help.

If you don't know who to call, Crisis Support Services can refer you to an appropriate mental health resource.

Resources

Survivors of Suicide Support Group

24-Hour Crisis Line