How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Suicide

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2010 alone, 37,500 cases of voluntary deaths were recorded. On average, in this country, one person takes their own life every 13 minutes. However, it is possible to prevent it. People considering suicide often show signs before making an attempt - the instructions in this article will help you recognize these warning signs and take action to prevent them from happening. If you know someone who is suicidal or is about to take their own life (or maybe you are dealing with this situation yourself), it is important to go to the hospital immediately.

In Italy, you can call 118 in case of emergency or contact a special switchboard, such as Telefono Amico, 199 284 284.

If you are overseas, search for the right numbers for emergencies or to let off steam on Google.

Steps

Part 1 of 6: Recognizing the Mental and Emotional Warning Bells

Step 1. Recognize the typical thought patterns of a suicidal person

There are numerous streams of thought that often distinguish those who try to commit suicide. If a person tells you that they are experiencing one or more of the following problems, this could be a cause for concern. Here are some examples:

• Suicidal people often become obsessively fixated on a thought, and can't stop doing it.
• Suicidal people often believe that they have no hope, and that there is no way to end the pain other than to take their own life.
• Suicidal subjects often consider life meaningless, or believe they cannot exercise any kind of control over their lives.
• Suicidal subjects often describe a feeling of a clouded mind, or difficulty concentrating.

Step 2. Recognize the emotions that lead to suicide

Similarly, individuals with suicidal behavior frequently experience emotional states that lead them to drastic actions. Here are some examples:

• Suicidal people often suffer from extreme mood swings.
• Suicidal people often experience strong emotions such as anger, anger, or revenge.
• Suicidal people often suffer from high levels of anxiety. In addition, they are frequently irritable.
• Suicidal people often experience strong feelings of guilt or shame, or think they are a burden to others.
• Suicidal people often experience a feeling of loneliness or isolation, even when around other people, and may also exhibit signs of shame or humiliation.

Step 3. Recognize the verbal red flags

There are many verbal clues that serve to understand if a person is living in a state of distress and is planning to take their own life. For example, if an individual often talks about death, this could be a wake-up call, especially if they never would in the past. There are many other verbal cues to look into; the phrases listed below are examples of this.

• "It's not worth it", "It's no use living" or "It doesn't matter anymore".
• "I'll be gone, so I'll never be able to hurt anyone again."
• "They'll miss me when I'm gone" or "You'll be sad when I'm gone."
• "I just can't take the pain anymore" or "I can't handle it all, life is too difficult."
• "I'm so lonely that I'd rather die."
• "You / my family / my friends / my girlfriend / boyfriend would be much better off without me."
• "Next time I'll take enough pills not to leave things unfinished."
• "Don't worry, I won't be there to face it."
• "I'll never bother you again."
• "Nobody understands me, nobody feels like me".
• "I feel like I have no way out" or "There is nothing I can do to improve the situation".
• "I'd rather be dead" or "I wish I'd never been born".

Step 4. Pay attention to sudden improvements

You have to keep in mind one thing: the chances of a person committing suicide are not necessarily higher when they appear to have hit rock bottom, they may instead show up when they seem to be starting to get better.

• A sudden improvement in mood may indicate that the person has willingly accepted the decision to take their own life, and perhaps even has a plan in place to do so.
• Consequently, if a person who has shown signs of depression or suicidal manifestations suddenly appears to be happier, you should take precautionary measures without delay.

Part 2 of 6: Recognizing Behavioral Warning Bells

Step 1. Look for signs to tell if this person is dealing with unresolved issues

Individuals planning suicide may take steps to organize their affairs before proceeding. This is a considerable wake-up call, because an individual trying to resolve unresolved issues probably has a plan prepared for a long time. A suicidal person may address one or more aspects:

• Giving away valuable goods.
• Making financial decisions, like suddenly writing a will.
• Say goodbye to loved ones. A person pondering suicide may suddenly decide to greet friends and family in a heartfelt and unexpected way.

Step 2. Look for reckless and dangerous behavior

Since suicidal people don't think they have a valid reason to live, they can take life-threatening risks, such as driving recklessly or under the wrong conditions. Here are some possible signs to watch out for:

• Excessive use of drugs (legal or illegal) and alcohol.
• Reckless driving, such as driving at full speed or driving under the influence of drugs.
• Unprotected sex, often promiscuous.

Step 3. Look for worrying signs

It is a good idea to investigate to find out if this person has recently bought a gun or is stocking up on legal or illegal pills.

If a person seems to be hoarding drugs or has bought new weapons out of the blue, it is important to act quickly. Once he has a plan, he could commit suicide at any moment

Step 4. Pay attention to social isolation

Avoidance of friends, family, or co-workers is common among suicidal subjects, who often quietly withdraw from normal social interactions.

Intervene instead of listening to a person who says to you, "I want you to leave me alone"

Step 5. Make a note of drastic changes in this person's routine

If an individual suddenly stops watching football matches (and you know he did it every week before) or pursuing his favorite activities, this could be a wake-up call.

Avoiding going out or participating in activities that they would usually enjoy could indicate that a person is unhappy, depressed, or potentially suffering from suicidal thoughts

Step 6. Pay attention to unusually lethargic behavior

Depressed and suicidal individuals often have little energy for basic mental and physical tasks. In particular, be careful of:

• Unusual difficulty in making simple decisions.
• Loss of interest in sex.
• General lack of energy, behaviors such as staying in bed all day.

Step 7. Look for red flags in a teenager

If the person in question is in the midst of adolescence, look for additional alarm bells and possible triggers typical of this age. For instance:

• This person has problems with their family or with the law.
• They are having experiences such as a recent breakup with their boyfriend or girlfriend, serious problems at school, or the loss of a close friend.
• Lack of friends, difficulties in various social situations or isolation from closest friends.
• She seems to neglect her self-care: she eats little or binges, has personal hygiene problems (washing infrequently) or seems to give no importance to her appearance at all (for example, a girl suddenly stops wearing makeup or dressing well).
• Draw or paint death scenes.
• Sudden changes affecting otherwise normal behavior - such as a drastic drop in grades, significant character changes, or rebellious actions - are all possible red flags.
• Conditions such as eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) can also lead to states of depression, anxiety and potentially suicide. Additionally, a bullied or bullying child or teenager may be at high risk of suicide.

Part 3 of 6: Recognizing the Risk Factors for Suicide

Step 1. Consider this person's life and current circumstances

An individual's experiences, both recent and past, can play a major role in the decision to take their own life.

• The death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a serious illness (especially if it involves chronic pain), bullying, and other highly stressful events can act as a trigger for suicide and put someone at enormous risk.
• In particular, one should be concerned if a person has already tried to commit suicide. An individual who has tried to take their own life in the past is predisposed to try again: in fact, one fifth of people who have committed suicide have made attempts before.
• Experiences of physical or sexual abuse also put you at greater risk of taking your own life.

Step 2. Consider this individual's mental health

The presence of an underlying mental condition, such as bipolar disorder, severe depression, schizophrenia, or a past full of other psychological problems, is a high-risk factor. In fact, 90% of suicide cases are linked to depression or other mental illness, and 66% of people who are serious about killing themselves have a psychological disorder of some kind.

• Disorders characterized by anxiety or restlessness (such as PTSD) and poor impulse control (such as bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, or drug abuse) are the most likely risk factors for planning a suicide and making an attempt.
• Symptoms of mental illnesses that increase the risk of committing suicide include intense anxiety, panic attacks, despair, pessimism, a feeling of being a burden to others, loss of interest and pleasure, delusional thoughts.
• While the statistical relationship between suicide and depression is complicated, most people who die after trying to take their own lives have severe depression.
• People with more than one mental problem are at particular risk of suicide. Having two mental disorders doubles the danger, and suffering three triples the odds compared to people who have only one psychological disorder.

Step 3. Investigate to find out if there have been any cases of suicide in the family

Scientists are still not sure whether the root cause is environmental, hereditary, or both, but suicide appears to have some genetic significance.

In fact, some research suggests that there is a genetic cause behind this correlation, so even if a person was not raised by their biological parents, this could be a risk factor. The environmental influences of a family's life could also play an important role

Step 4. Consider the demographic factors that influence the choice to commit suicide

While anyone can be suicidal, statistically some social groups have higher rates than others. If you know someone at risk, consider the following:

• Men are more likely to take their own lives. For each age group and ethnic group, the male suicide rate is four times that of women. In fact, male suicides make up 79% of the total.
• Regardless of gender, people belonging to the LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) are four times more likely to commit suicide.
• Adult or elderly people are more likely to commit suicide than young people. People between the ages of 45 and 59 have the highest suicide rate ever, followed by that of seniors over 74.
• Native Americans and Caucasians are statistically more likely to commit suicide than other ethnic groups.
• Not falling into any group doesn't mean you don't have to worry about a person who is apparently not at high risk. If the person in question exhibits suicidal thoughts regardless of gender or age, take the situation seriously. Furthermore, if an individual belongs to one of these groups, the risk may be higher.

Part 4 of 6: Talk to a Person Who Has Suicidal Tendencies

Step 1. Try to express yourself the right way

If someone you know is exhibiting suicidal behavior, one of the most important things to do is to share your observations with them in an affectionate and anything but critical manner.

Be a good listener. Make eye contact, actually pay attention, and respond in a gentle tone

Step 2. Raise the question directly

A good place to start is to say, "I've noticed you've been very down in the dumps lately, and this has made me worry a lot. Have you ever thought about suicide?"

• If she says yes, the next step is to ask her, "Have you ever made any plans for this?"
• If the answer is yes, immediately call an ambulance. A person who has a plan needs to be helped right away. Stay with her until reinforcements arrive.

Step 3. Avoid making the situation worse

There are some seemingly helpful words to say, but they can actually increase the guilt or shame of a suicidal person. For example, leave the following types of comments alone:

• "Tomorrow is another day. Everything will look better."
• "It could always be worse. You should feel lucky for everything you have."
• "You have a splendid future ahead of you / Your life is perfect".
• "Don't worry. Everything will be okay / you'll be okay."

Step 4. Avoid making seemingly derogatory statements

Some types of comments can give the impression that you don't take the other person's feelings seriously. Forget the following types of comments:

• "Things aren't that bad."
• "You would never hurt yourself."
• "I too have lived through dark times, and I have overcome them".

Step 5. Don't keep secrets

If a person confesses to you that they have suicidal thoughts, don't agree to keep it a secret.

This person must be assisted as soon as possible. Keeping the situation a secret will only delay the moment he gets help

Part 5 of 6: Taking Action to Prevent a Person from Suicide

Step 1. Call 118

If you believe a person is at immediate risk of suicide, call 911 without delay.

Step 2. Call a Suicide Prevention Switchboard

Phone numbers like this aren't just for suicidal people - they also offer assistance to anyone trying to prevent someone else from committing suicide.

• Even if you just need to know what to do, such a switchboard can help you. He can show you how to handle the situation right now, or give you instructions to take more serious action. In addition, he is in contact with doctors and psychologists throughout the country.
• In Italy, call Telefono Amico, 199 284 284, or Samaritans, 800 860022.
• Abroad, search the internet to find a local phone number.

Step 3. Have the suicidal person see a specialist

Make sure she sees a therapist as soon as possible. The phone numbers listed above may refer you to a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist, otherwise you can find an expert online in your area.

• If you are there for this person and invite them to see a qualified professional, you can prevent suicide and save a life.
• Do not waste time. Sometimes, preventing a suicide is a matter of days or even hours, so the sooner this person is helped as they should, the better.

Step 4. Warn your family

It would be best to get in touch with the parents, guardians or other loved ones of the person in question.

• This action allows you to take some responsibility off yourself, since family members can be involved to prevent this person from taking their own life.
• Involving these people could also help the individual understand that others care about them.

Step 5. Remove dangerous objects

If possible, remove all life-threatening items from this person's home. They include firearms, medicines or other weapons or poisons.

• Be thorough. People can take their own lives with many objects that you never thought of.
• Items such as rat poison, cleaning products and even classic cutlery can be used in a suicide attempt.
• About 25% of all suicides are due to suffocation. Usually, this means that they happen by hanging. Consequently, be sure to eliminate items such as ties, belts, ropes, and sheets.
• Tell this person that you will keep these items in your home until they feel better.

Step 6. Continue to offer support

Even once the immediate danger has passed, don't lose sight of this person. An individual who is depressed or feeling isolated is unlikely to ask for help, so you have to come forward. Call him, visit him and, generally, make himself heard frequently to find out how he is. Here are other ways you can give him constant support:

• Make sure she goes on appointments with her therapist. Offer to accompany him so that you can be sure he is constantly showing up for therapy.
• Make sure he takes any medications he has been prescribed.
• When it comes to alcohol or recreational drug use, don't encourage him to do so. A suicidal person should not drink or take drugs.
• Help her develop an emergency plan if she continues to have suicidal thoughts. He should write down a list of actions he can take to avoid committing suicide, such as calling loved ones, going to a friend, or even going to the hospital.

Part 6 of 6: Coping With Your Suicidal Thoughts

Step 1. Call 118

If you are experiencing suicidal emotions similar to those described in this article and believe you are close to committing a tragic act (ie you have a plan and the means to implement it), call 911 immediately. You need to be assisted immediately.

Step 2. Call a specialized switchboard

While you are waiting for help to arrive, call Telefono Amico, 199 284 284, or Samaritans, 800 860022. This will help you distract yourself and decrease the risk until you actually receive assistance.

Step 3. Contact a mental health professional

If you have suicidal behaviors and thoughts but haven't made a plan, make an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

If the situation gets worse while you wait for your appointment date and you develop a suicide plan in the meantime, call 911

Advice

• Don't wait for someone to come to you and say, "I want to kill myself." Many plan to take their own lives and do not tell anyone exactly what they intend to do. If someone you know is having red flags, don't wait for the situation to get worse before asking for help.
• Other people may just show some vague signs. Consequently, it is important to closely observe people at risk of suicide, such as those who have just experienced significant trauma, have drug abuse problems and have a history of mental illness. This way, you can spot any obvious red flags.
• Remember that not all people who think about suicide demonstrate obvious signs or risk factors. In fact, about 25% of suicide victims may not experience any significant alarm bells.

Warnings

• Don't try to intervene without help. If you know someone who is suicidal, don't try to support them alone during this difficult time. He needs the support of a professional.
• If you do everything you can and this person still holds the idea of following their plans and taking their own life, it is important to avoid blaming yourself.