Anxiety

A few days ago, I talked about how teen suicide rates are still higher than what doctors, researchers, and parents would like them to be. If you are interested in reading that post, please click here. As mentioned in the study, among youths who commit suicide, many have depression or anxiety disorders. However, there are also other warning signs parents should be aware of. Please continue reading to learn the warning signs of suicide - you just may save a life.

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

Depression: According to Suicide.org, untreated depression is the number one reason for suicide.

Symptoms of depression include: feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, guilty, and worthless, appetite and/or weight changes, changes in sleeping patterns, isolating oneself from family and friends, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and thoughts of suicide.

If you notice these changes in yourself or someone you love, please get help. Seek professional help from a primary care physician and a therapist. You can also seek professional help from a psychiatrist, someone who specializes in prescribing medication for mental illnesses.

Making suicidal statements: Suicidal statements can include the following:

“I hate this life.”

“I can’t take this anymore.”

“I can’t go on.”

“Everyone would be better off without me.”

“No one would miss me if I were gone.”

“I want to die.”

“If I died, would you come to my funeral?”

And any other mention of death or suicide.

No sense of humor: Not finding jokes, movies, or situations funny that one would normally find humorous.

Writing suicide notes or poems about suicide

Having attempted suicide before: Individuals who have tried to commit suicide before are at higher risk of committing suicide in the future.

Taking risks: Someone who is suicidal might take dangerous risks, such as running red lights or driving recklessly.

Making a will, tying up loose ends, and putting one’s affairs in order: A suicidal individual may also change one’s will or medical advanced directives.

Calling or visiting family and friends to say good-bye

A sudden switch from being sad, depressed, and/or anxious to appearing to be happy or calm: Once suicidal individuals have a plan in place, they often become more calm and appear to be happy. Do NOT be fooled by this. This is a very dangerous time. This typically means a person plans on killing him or herself very soon.

Using or abusing alcohol or drugs

While most individuals who are contenplating or planning a suicide will show at least a few of the above warning signs, other may not show any of the warning signs. They will attempt to hide their depression instead.

If you notice any of these warning signs in a loved one, please seek immediate help for him or her. Get mental health professionals and parents involved. If you think someone is going to commit suicide immediately, call the police and have them check on your loved one. They will be able to get your loved on the help they need.

Remember, always take suicide and depression seriously. Don’t ignore someone who is suicidal. Showing these warning signs typically indicates someone who is thinking about or planning suicide wants help, so aid them in getting the help they want and need.

For more about suicide prevention, please visit Suicide.org.

Please tell me what you think in the comments section below!

Sources:

Suicide.org: Suicide Warning Signs

Web MD: Recognizing the Warning signs of Suicide

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