The 10 Warning Signs of Suicide
Copyright 2005 Anne Wolski
In a time when suicide has become a culture in society, it is
important to be able to recognise the warning signs. Suicide is
one of the leading causes of death in people aged 15 - 24 with
young males four times more likely to succeed due to the lethal
ways in which they choose to kill themselves.
1. Previous suicide attempts:
Previous suicide attempts are the biggest risk factor of a
person successfully completing suicide. The more attempts the
person makes, the more likely that he or she will eventually die
by suicide. Often people say that people who attempt suicide are
only looking for attention. This may be true but it is also true
to say that the person is obviously in a state of pain and needs
help and understanding. The reality is that suicidal behaviour
is usually a last resort when the person feels that all else has
failed. Normally, they are trying to resolve their inner pain
rather than trying to manipulate those around them.
2. Recent suicide of a friend or relative:
Sometimes, when a close friend or relative dies by suicide,
others adopt a copy-cat attitude and follow the deceased
person's lead. It is not uncommon for suicide of a friend or
relative to trigger attempts by friends or others.
3. Threats of suicide:
Many believe that people who talk about suicide won't actually
do it. The reality is that, in the majority of cases, people
have spoken of their intent before killing themselves. Often it
may have been a single statement such as "Life's not worth
living" or "I wish I were dead." Sometimes the person is
preoccupied with death through a genre like music, art, or
poetry.
Talking about suicide or exhibiting unusual interest in death
through other themes generally means that the person is
considering suicide as an option and that they really need and
want some help.
4. Depression:
A lot of people use the word 'depression' to describe feelings
of sadness and loss. These feelings often pass within a few
hours or a few days. During this time, people are able to carry
on much as usual. However, if you feel sad much more intensely
and for longer and your feelings start to interfere with your
work, social life and family life, you may need to seek
professional advice. There are a number of symptoms of
depression and it's very rare for all symptoms to occur in one
person all at once. You might feel it come on slowly, from
sometimes feeling blue to deeper feelings more often. It is hard
to accept that symptoms like sleeping badly or feeling worthless
are depression. After all, don't we all feel that way sometimes?
That's the key - sometimes. It's not normal to feel that way for
a long time. For some people, the feelings of hopelessness and
despair that accompany depression are more than they are
equipped to cope with and, as a result of this lack of coping
skills, some take the option of suicide.
5. Changes in personality or behaviour:
There may be changes in the person's behaviour including
withdrawal, loss of interest in personal care and appearance,
angry outbursts, and absenteeism from work or school. Their
performance at work or school will often decline as well.
6. Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol:
People who have difficulty in coping with problems will
sometimes turn to substances such as alcohol or illicit and
prescription drugs for relief. Abuse of these substances tends
to lower inhibitions leading to an increase in risk-taking
behaviour. Drug and alcohol abuse is often linked to suicide.
7. Behavioural disturbances:
Behavioural disturbances such as anger, aggression, stealing,
impulsive behaviours, isolation, and drug and alcohol abuse can
be a sign of increased suicide risk. Sometimes, people who are
particularly vulnerable may act out their feelings in a
potentially destructive manner.
8. Psychiatric illness:
In some illnesses such as schizophrenia, it is not uncommon to
hear voices. This can be a contributing factor in suicide if
these voices are telling the person to take their own life even
if that person does not want to die.
9. Preparation for death:
Preparation for death often includes such things as making a
will, saying goodbye to people, apologising for past
misdemeanours, and giving away their possessions, particularly
their favourite things. They may also acquire the means to kill
themselves such as a gun, rope, or pills.
10. A sudden lift in spirits:
If a person has a sudden lift in spirits, particularly after
depression, it is often a significant factor. It can mean that
the person is relieved because he or she has made a definite
decision to take his or her life and that the problems and their
resultant unhappiness will soon be ended. They will often have
more energy at this point to end their life.
Although not everyone displays these warning behaviours, a large
percentage of people do display some of them. Encouraging the
person to talk about their feelings, including their intended
suicide, can be just what they need. No matter how uncomfortable
you feel about the subject, it is important not to judge. A
listening ear can make all the difference.