Warning Signs of Suicide - Abrupt changes in personality
- Giving away possessions
- Previous sucide attempt
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Depression.а Lack of self esteem
- Withdrawal from people, especially close friends, family and/or favorite activities
- Change in eating and sleeping patterns
- Chronic pain
- Restlessness - inability to concentrate
- Talking about committing suicide
- Hints that, "I won't be a problem anymore," or that, "it doesn't matter"
- Taking unnecessary risks, or having a preoccupation with death and dying
People are more likely to think about suicide if they fall into any of the following categories: - Had previous suicide attempt(s)
- Suffer from chronic pain
- Problems with school or the law
- Breakup of a romance... or an unintended pregnancy
- A stressful family life.а (Having parents who are depressed or are substance abusers.а A family history of suicide)
- Loss of security.а Fear of authority, peers, group or gang members
- Stress due to new situations; beginning at a new school, college or relocating to a new community
- Failing in school or failing to pass an important test
- Major loss of a loved one, a relationship, a home, divorce in the family
- Sexual orientation and/or identity.а Suicide is 2 to 3 times higherfor GLBT youth
How to Intervene:а Question, Persuade, Refer - Questionа -а If you suspect someone is thinking about suicide, ask them directly, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"а If they are, find out why.а Find out if they had decided when, where, and how to kill themselves; the more detailed their plan, the more credible the threat of suicide.а Lastly, find out if they have the means to carry out their plan.
- Persuadeа -а If you've established that a loved one is thinking about suicide, persuade them to seek help by talking to a counselor or clergy member.а
- Referа -а They might not have theаmental capacityаto make arrangements to speak to a mental health professional, so offer to help them.а If they have the desire to end their life, a plan to doаso, and the means at hand to execute that plan, you need to stay with them until they can talk to someone.
Remember,аYOU are their link to survival!
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