SUICIDE, WARNING SIGNS AND PREVENTION
Suicide never only affects the person that committed it. It affects everyone who knew the person too. But many suicides can be prevented if the warning signs are recognized and proper action is taken.
Check for Signs of Emotional Illness or Distress
Suicide, like any medical disorder, does not happen instantly or “out of the blue.”
Suicide never only affects the person that committed it. It affects everyone who knew the person too. But many suicides can be prevented if the warning signs are recognized and proper action is taken.
Check for Signs of Emotional Illness or Distress
Suicide, like any medical disorder, does not happen instantly or “out of the blue.” Usually, it is preceded by emotional turmoil such as depression, agitation, significant anxiety, impulsivity, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Look for outward sign that shows deviation from the person’s usual self. Observe any changes in functioning. Is the person less motivated to work? Does the person prefer to stay in bed and withdraw from friends and family members? Check also for any physiologic changes such as inability to sleep, eat, and concentrate.
Always take suicide warning signs seriously.
Warnings signs
- Talking about suicide or death in general
- Experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or little
- Talking about “going away”
- Referring to things they “won’t be needing,” and giving away possessions
- Talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
- Having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities
- Appearing depressed or sad most of the time. (untreated depression is the one cause for suicide)
- Feeling hopeless
- Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Feeling tired most of the time
- Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight
- Pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out
