Signs and Symptoms
UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THE SUICIDAL
PERSON
Be Aware
of the Warning Signs
There is no typical suicide victim. It happens to young and old, rich and
poor. Fortunately there are some common warning signs which, when acted
upon, can save lives. Here are some signs to look for:
A suicidal person might be suicidal if he or she:
- Talks about
suicide
- Has trouble
eating or sleeping
- Experiences
drastic changes in behavior
- Withdraws from
friends and/or social activities
- Loses interest in
hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Prepares for
death by making out a will and final arrangements
- Gives away prized
possessions
- Has attempted
suicide before
- Takes unnecessary
risks
- Has had recent
severe losses
- Is preoccupied
with death and dying
- Loses interest in
their personal appearance
- Increases their use of
alcohol or drugs
Here are some
ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:
- Be direct. Talk
openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
- Be willing to
listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Be
non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or
feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
- Get involved.
Become available. Show interest and support.
- Don’t dare him or
her to do it.
- Don’t act
shocked. This will put distance between you.
- Don’t be sworn to
secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that
alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
- Take action.
Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons
or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Many people at some time
in their lives think about committing suicide. Most decide to live,
because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and
death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis sometimes
perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control.
These are some of the feelings and things they experience:
- Can’t stop the
pain
- Can’t think
clearly
- Can’t make
decisions
- Can’t see any way
out
- Can’t sleep, eat
or work
- Can’t get out of
depression
- Can’t make the
sadness go away
- Can’t see a
future without pain
- Can’t see
themselves as worthwhile
- Can’t get
someone’s attention
- Can’t seem to get
control
If you experience
these feelings, get help!
If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!
Contact:
- A community
mental health agency
- A private
therapist or counselor
- A school
counselor or psychologist
- A family
physician
- A suicide prevention or
crisis center
A Fact Sheet is provided in
Adobe format for you to download and review.
Information
provided by American Association of Suicidology:
www.suicidology.org |
