Suicide: Watch for the signs!

Suicide numbers are increasing in the U.S. and around the world, particularly within our youth. Too often, the signs go unnoticed or unaddressed. Take time to learn the warning signs, and you just might save a life.

People at risk may...

• Have a long-standing history of problems at home, work, or school

• Suffer from low self-esteem

• Believe no one cares

• Are depressed

• Abuse alcohol or drugs

• Suffer from bullying and/or abuse

• Have chronic pain issues

• Have experienced other acutely stressful events, such as an unwanted pregnancy, death of a loved one, trouble with the law, or not meeting high parental expectations

What are the warning signs? 

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Unexplained or unusually severe, violent, or rebellious behavior

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Skipping school, vandalism, and other irresponsible behavior 

• Drastic personality change

• Agitation, restlessness, distress, or panicky behavior

• Talking or writing about committing suicide, even jokingly

• Giving away prized possessions

• Poor performance in school

What can you do? 

• Offer help and listen. Don't ignore the problem. Talk about feelings and the behaviors you have seen that have caused you to feel concerned. You don't need to solve the problem or give advice. Sometimes just caring, listening, and being nonjudgmental is the best first step. 

• If the word suicide is used in conversation or written about in any way (even joking), take it very seriously. You can even be so bold as to ask the individual if they are planning to end their life. Do not avoid the subject. If they say yes, get them professional medical help immediately. 

• If you are a parent or guardian, remove any lethal weapons from your home, such as guns. Lock up pills, and be aware of the location of kitchen utensils as well as ropes, which can be used as means to commit suicide, and don’t be afraid to take your child to a hospital emergency room if it is clear that he or she is contemplating suicide. You may not be able to handle the situation on your own.

• Don’t underestimate the risks. Even when the immediate crisis of suicidal behavior passes, the risk remains high until new ways of dealing and coping with problems are learned.

Life is a precious gift. Anyone in a highly stressed state of mind is at risk for making a poor decision about suicide. Please be patient, kind, and understanding. Watch for the warning signs, and be proactive. Suicide can be prevented. 

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to: SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

If you enjoy positive messages that are educational, inspirational, motivational, and entertaining, feel free to visit the “About Me” tab on my website, evinersan.com, and follow me on social media. 

Sources: 

• Child Psychiatry and Child Development - Stanford Children's Health, https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/service/child-adolescent-psychiatry

• Friedman, Richard A. “Why Are Young Americans Killing Themselves?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 6 Jan. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/opinion/suicide-young-people.html.

• Ltd, Base Creative UK. Befrienders Worldwide, www.befrienders.org/suicide-statistics