With the recent death of TV star, Andrew Koenig, it’s important to take some time and review suicide warning signs. While many people don’t ever want to think of their loved ones committing suicide, it is a real thing and it happens far too often because depression sufferers do not get the help they need.
List of Suicide Warning Signs
Seventy five percent of people who commit suicide will show some signs beforehand. If you ever notice a loved one is experiencing depression symptoms, be on the lookout for these suicide-warning signs.
- Preoccupation with death
- Appears sad or depressed
- Discusses death and/or writes about it
- Isolative or withdraws from loved ones
- Expresses feelings of hopelessness
- Expresses feelings of helplessness
- Appears angry or has rage
- Feels stuck in a situation with no way out
- Dramatic mood swings
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Personality change
- Loss of interest in activities he/she once loved
- Change in school or work performance
- Makes plans for death such as writing a will
- Gives away things important to him/her
- Exhibits risky behavior
Be Hyper-Vigilant and You Could Save a Life
Don’t ignore signs of suicide. Being proactive and helping a loved one when he or she is in the darkest time of life, may save his/her life. Take a minute to talk with your loved one to understand what he/she is going through. Provide support and assistance as much as your loved one will let you.
Finally, if you feel that your loved one is at risk of harming him/herself, contact your local mental health department or police immediately. You can have your loved one assessed and hospitalized if there is a risk for suicide. Don’t worry about your loved one being upset with you because someday he/she may come up to you and thank you for saving his/her life!
Photo Courtesy of: kiwanja on flickr
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Mental Health