I recently sent some info. over Twitter about some of the risks to look for regarding suicide. As soon as I sent the information, I got a number of responses from people who were not aware of some of these risk factors, but who see the signs in hindsight as they knew of someone who did suicide.
This list is not conclusive but a good start.
SUICIDE
Signs to Watch For:
-A Previous Suicide Attempt
-General Talk Of Death Or Suicide
-Talking About A Specific Suicide Plan, Including The Method, Date,Location
-Making A Plan (E.G. Drawing Up A Will, Talking About Final Wishes)
-Signs Of Depression Or Other Mental Illness
-Writing Or Drawing About Suicide
-Giving Away Valued Possessions
-Sudden Change In Behaviour (For Better Or Worse)
-Withdrawal From Friends And Activities
-Increased Use Of Alcohol Or Other Drugs
-Recent Loss (Such As Death, Loss Of A Job, Or Loss Of A Relationship)
-Feelings Of Hopelessness Or Helplessness
Remember, there is no sure fire list of warning signs. Any one of these signs by itself does not necessarily mean a person is suicidal, but the more of these signs that are present, the greater the risk. Also, suicidal person may not display the signs on this list. It may be right to be concerned simply because someone's behaviour is out of character. Sudden shifts in actions or attitude may alert loved one’s to potential problems.
How You Can Help …
1. Ask directly if the person is thinking about suicide. Talking openly about suicide does not increase the risk. In fact, it can bring relief to someone who has been afraid to confide their suicidal thoughts.
2. Talk to the person in a non-judgmental way, and listen to them without becoming upset. Let the person know you care and want to help.
3. Believe what the person says, and take all threats seriously.
4. Look into community resources, such as crisis lines and counselling services that you can suggest to the person.
5. Never keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret. Tell someone who can help.
6. Take action if you feel someone is at immediate risk. If necessary, make contact with the police, emergency services or a hospital to ensure the person's safety.
NOTE: Sometimes the greatest risk for someone committing suicide is when they are actually feeling better and have more energy after a severe depressive episode. When someone is in the depths of severe depression they may think or make plans of suicide, yet they often don’t have the actual energy required to take their life. When they are coming out of a severe depression, there is an accompaniment of more energy and often times someone will resolve at this point to take the action of taking their life for fear of slipping back into their depression.
What if you feel like killing yourself?
-Tell someone right away
-Develop a safety plan with family and friends to make sure that you’re not alone
-Don’t use alcohol and/or drugs
-Have regularly scheduled health care appointments and keep them
-Keep involved in things you like to do, if you can’t get together with family and friends even if you are only hanging out watching TV, reading or going to a movie with them
-Talk about how you’re feeling
Feel free to share this info. as it can save a life!
Best of health and warmest regards, Paul Radkowski
-Saving and transforming lives and families 24/7
info@liferecoveryprogram.com
http://www.liferecoveryprogram.com/
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