Preoccupation with death
If someone is always talking about dying, it may mean that they are planning it for themselves.
Suddenly happier, calmer
Often right before someone commits suicide, they are happy, knowing that it will all end soon.
Loss of interest in what is usually cared about
If someone has always lived for baseball and suddenly stopped playing, saying, "It just doesn't matter anymore" this is a sign of depression/suicide. Visiting or calling people cared about
Suicidal people often don't want to die, but feel it is their only way out. They want to say good-bye to those they love.
Making arrangements, such as a will
Someone who is in apparently good physical health and in no danger of dying making arrangements for his/her death is a sign that the person may be planning on killing themselves.
Giving away possessions
Often before committing suicide someone will give away their prized possessions, so someone else can enjoy them.
Trouble sleeping - either too much or too little.
Sleep patterns are often disturbed by thoughts of suicide.
Sudden unexplained gain or loss of weight
If someone suddenly loses weight without dieting, this may be a sign of severe depression.
(Information from SA\VE. Visit SA\VE's website at www.save.org)
What Can Lead to Suicide
Suicide does not come out of the blue. The following problems can lead to suicide:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance Abuse
- Death (especially suicide) of a loved one
- Often it will be a combination of these above and other factors. Suicide is usually not the result of one thing.
Myths vs. Fact
The myths surrounding suicide abound. Below are listed the most common ones and the truth.
Myth: Attempted or completed suicides happen without warning.
Fact: Often the symptoms listed above are present, but nobody notices.
Myth: If a person attempts suicide and survives, then they will never attempt suicide again.
Fact: A suicide attempt is a signal that the person is depressed and may again attempt to kill themselves.
Myth: Suicidal young people are insane or "crazy".
Fact: Not always. Most times when someone is suicidal they have a mood disorder such as Bipolar Disorder or depression.
Myth: People who threaten suicide are just looking for attention.
Fact: No matter whether you think that the person will really commit suicide, it must be treated as real. It is important never to degrade someone who is feeling depressed and suicidal. Not taking them seriously is only confirming their beliefs that no one really cares.
Myth: Only certain types of people can be suicidal.
Fact: Everybody has the risk for suicide. Mood Disorders can affect anyone. Substance abuse can also lead to suicide.
Myth: Suicide is painless
Fact: Movies, books, and TV shows never portray the painful aspect of it. But suicide can be very painful.
(Information from www.ace-network.com/suicmyths.htm)
What to Do if a Friend Is Suicidal
- First and foremost, do not deny their feelings, degrade or laugh at them, or otherwise try to insult them in any way. This will only confirm their belief that no one cares about them.
- Get an adult immediately, no matter if your friend swears you to secrecy. Saving their life is more important than keeping a promise.
- If your friend begins exhibiting any of the above symptoms, try talking to him/her. For example, if your friend gives away his skateboard that he worked all summer to get, talk to him.
- Talk to your friend and find out why he/she is suicidal. If you can go to an adult with why someone wants to kill him/herself it can help greatly. Pinpointing why the person is suicidal is the first step to helping someone.
- Talk to an adult yourself. Often coping with a friend who is suicidal can be very difficult and depressing.
- Never let a suicide attempt go unreported.
- Don't think you can handle the situation by yourself.
What to Do If YOU Are/Were Suicidal
- GET HELP!!! There are many people you can talk to.
- Priest, rabbi, pastor, or other religious leader
- School counselor, advisor, or a teacher
- Parents, other family or someone you trust
- A therapist
- If you have ever thought of hurting or killing yourself tell someone. Just because you don't feel suicidal now doesn't mean you won't later.
- Think back on happy memories, happy moments in the past. Often these
will improve your mood long enough for you to get help.
Where To Go For Help
www.metanoia.org/suicide -
"Read this if you are suicidal..."
www.save.org - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. Information and hotlines
http://suicidehotlines.com - list of hotlines by state and other information
http://suicidal.com/depressionlinks/crisischart.html - sources for information and help - including finding a therapist
http://www.suicidology.org/crisis_centers_in_your_area.htm - list of crisis centers in your areas (listed by state)
National Suicide Hotline Toll-Free Crisis Phone
1-888-784-2433 (888-SUICIDE)
National Suicide Hotline
1-888-248-2587
National Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-448-4663 |
