Warning signs of suicide
Last week I shared the risk factors of suicide.
This week I want to share the warning signs for you.
Don’t be fooled. Even people that appear happy can have depression
- A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
- Always talking or thinking about death
- Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
- Having a “death wish,” tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
- Losing interest in things one used to care about
- Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
- Saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”
- Talking about suicide (killing one’s self)
- Visiting or calling people one cares about to say goodbye
- Sudden change in behavior from depressed to calm and happy
- Acting recklessly
- According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.
If you’re thinking of suicide, I urge you to get medical help:
Please seek help if you have thoughts of suicide or a loved one that has committed suicide
- Find a counselor
- Check into a hospital
- Call 911 {if you’ve attempted suicide and need immediate help}
- Call suicide hotline: 1-800-Suicide {1-800-784-2433)
- thinkingaboutsuicide.com
Photos Courtesy of MorgueFile