Understanding Suicide
Seeing Signs and Taking Action to Prevent the Death of a Loved One
Oct 7, 2008
National and local headlines in October of 2008 seem to be rife with stories of suicide. The financial crisis may be to blame but often, people who commit suicide have been troubled for some time. When someone takes their own life, friends and family are often left asking why. It's important to know what the signs are in order to potentially prevent a tragedy.
Seeing the SignsDepression is something so many people live with everyday. Just because someone lives with depression doesn't mean they plan to take their life. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline gives several common warning signs of suicide:
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed;
- Withdrawal from friends and family;
- Increased drug and/or alcohol use;
- Excessive talking and/or thinking about death
Of course, different people act differently when they are in crisis. The above warning signs may not be on display when someone is considering suicide. The important thing is to look for behavior that is out of the ordinary or alarming.
Triggering EventsSometimes, someone who is considering suicide may be triggered by a tragic event that can send them into extreme crisis. Some common triggers are:
- Death of a loved one;
- Loss of job or financial stability;
- Divorce or the end of an intimate relationship
- "Hitting bottom" in terms of addiction
Adolescent Suicide
Teenagers are faced with many stressors on a daily basis: social rejection, harassment at school, hormones, pressure to get good grades, etc. Many teenagers feel ill equipped to take on so many things. Some turn to friends or hobbies to take their mind off things. But some teens feel helpless and lost. Here are some signs of suicidal ideation in adolescents:
- Slipping of grades;
- Cutting or other self descructive behaviors;
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed;
- Withdrawal
How to Help
Many people panic when they see someone they love in crisis and want to do anything they can to help. Here are some ways to reach out to someone who may be in trouble:
Communicate: Telling someone they are loved and supported is important.
Listen: Talking about depression and fears is very difficult; sometimes, a person in crisis needs to open up to someone they can trust. It’s important to listen without judgment.
Offer Help: Help them talk through a game plan: do they want to tell their parents? Their spouse or partner? See a therapist? Go to the Emergency Room? Make sure they know it’s imperative that they get help right away.
Take Action: It may be difficult but sometimes, there is a need to take action right away. If a friend or family member is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Be aware that someone who is in crisis needs professional help. Friends and family can provide some assistance but ultimately, the person suffering needs to seek the care in the medical community. For more information, contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
