According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, over 47,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2017. In the same year, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts.
Knowing the signs of suicide is the primary step in preventing someone you know and love from successfully taking their own life.
The Warning Signs of Suicide
Hopelessness
Many individuals who are contemplating ending their own life experience and express feelings of hopelessness.
Other Strong Emotions
Suicidal people may also experience and express excessive anger and rage and talk about seeking some kind of revenge.
Risky Behavior
People who are thinking about ending their own life start showing signs of risky behavior. Since their lives are not valuable in their own eyes, they may engage in certain behaviors, not caring about the consequences. This can be drinking and driving, experimenting with hard drug use, and spending time in unsafe parts of town.
Isolation
Have you noticed your loved one withdrawing from friends and family and isolating themselves more?
Trouble Sleeping
Suicidal individuals often experience great anxiety that causes them to suffer from insomnia. Has your loved one been complaining of not sleeping? Are they taking medication for sleep issues?
The above are warning signs that your loved one may be experiencing a deep depression that needs attention.
The following are three signs that your loved one needs some help IMMEDIATELY:
They’ve Come Right Out and Said It
Your loved one has actually verbalized a desire to harm themselves or kill themselves.
You’ve Discovered A Plan
You have somehow come to know that your loved one is actively planning their suicide by stocking pills or getting their hands on a weapon.
They Have Become Obsessed with Death
Many suicidal people, especially teenagers, begin talking or writing more and more about death or suicide in a positive light.
How You Can Help
Talking to someone you love about suicide can feel uncomfortable. You may be worried that by merely talking about it, you will somehow inspire the act. This just isn’t so.
Speaking with a loved one who is suicidal allows them to discuss openly their feelings and desire to end their life. Just opening up to someone who is supportive and non-judgmental can assist them in recognizing their need to get some help from a trained therapist.
For immediate help, please call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.