Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is very critical — it could save a life. Here are some crucial indicators to be vigilant about according to credible health resources:
Unbearable Emotional Or Physical Pain Or Loss
When someone is experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain, they may feel like they have no other choice but to kill themselves. The pain may be related to a recent loss, or it could be an ongoing issue that was never resolved. Either way, if you think a loved one might be considering suicide, try to find out what has caused their pain and how long it has been going on for. If you’re not sure what to say, just ask them directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Changing behavior
If you notice a change in your friend’s behavior, don’t ignore it, says Dr Michael Vivian. Look for clues about what may be going on in their life and act on them quickly. If there is a change in mood or behavior, ask your friend if something seems wrong. If they say no, or if they seem unable to talk about it, let them know that you want to help them.
Make sure that you’re not just responding out of worry over yourself or because you think someone else might be offering support—if your friend isn’t feeling well, they may feel like no one else cares about what’s going on with them.
There are a lot of warning signs that could indicate depression or other mental health issues:
- Changes in sleeping habits (for example: sleeping more than usual or oversleeping)
- Changes in eating habits (for example: eating less than usual or eating more than usual)
Frequent Talk About Death Or Suicide
People who talk about suicide are more likely to commit suicide, according to Dr Michael Vivian.They might not be suicidal, but they often feel the need to talk about their feelings and thoughts about death. It’s important to listen to what your loved ones say and if you sense that they are saying things that seem out of the ordinary, seek professional help immediately!
Suicidal Ideation And Attempts
If you’ve ever been suicidal, chances are you’ve had thoughts about it. We all have those moments in our lives when we feel like we don’t have any hope left, or when we wonder how long it will be until our life is over. That’s normal—but what happens when we take that feeling and turn it into action? When we make a plan to end our own lives.
That’s what suicide is: an attempt at ending your own life. But it doesn’t have to be your last resort! You can talk to a friend or family member who can help keep you safe and help get you the help that you need.
Conclusion
Whether you are a healthcare professional or not, it’s crucial that you know the warning signs of suicide. Being vigilant about the warning signs is one of the more common measures taken by people who are in emotional pain and want to try something to curb their experience. Knowing these warning signs could be your first step towards preventing somebody from losing their own life.
