Signs of Suicide and How to Help

According to a report by the Center for Disease Control, suicide has risen to the top ten spot as a leading cause of death (Murphy S., Xu J., Kochanek K., 2013). Suicide is considered intentional self-harm and plagues individuals dealing with substance abuse addiction and dependence and/or mental illness. People who are dealing with substance abuse/dependence and/or a mental illness and go undiagnosed or untreated appear to be increasingly susceptible to suicidal ideation.

While it is a terrifying and isolating experience for the person in the grips of such desperation, it is also a hopeless and confusing time for those trying to help (parents, clinicians, counselors, doctors, friends, colleagues, etc…). Reaching out for help can be difficult, but there are people who can assist both the person dealing with suicidal ideation as well as their loved ones.

The questions I often receive from loved ones are, ‘How do I know when it’s time to reach out for help?’ and ‘What are the warning signs I can be aware of to help prevent suicidal behavior?’. This short blog hopes to answer these two questions.

To Begin, Here are 3 Steps One Can Take to Help Prevent Suicide:

1.) Being present to observe the behaviors and expressed thoughts/feelings of a person who is  having suicidal ideation

2.) Take these observed signs seriously

3.) Knowing what to do (learn more below)

Do not ignore the person who you suspect may be suffering with suicidal thoughts. Being in the present moment allows you to observe behaviors and assess thought processes of your loved one. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has created a list of observable signs of serious depression which includes; unrelenting low mood, pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension, withdrawal, and sleep problems (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2012). The AFSP insists that suicide can be prevented if such warning signs are observed. However, they also note how some suicides happen without warning and often leave loved ones wondering what they missed.

Knowing that you have done the best in helping a loved one includes taking these signs seriously – which is the second step. Often those easily observable signs can become invisible and overlooked because of the pressures of our fast paced world. Increasing the use of drugs or alcohol, recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks, threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die are also warning signs of suicide. Unexpected anger or rage is another an indicator of possible self-harming behaviors. Confronting these signs can be difficult and emotionally draining, but they are nonetheless important to acknowledge and identify. After further discussing the warning signs of suicide, a short list of self-care tips will follow.

The third step is knowing how to respond to these observations. A suicide assessment accurately completed by therapists and counselors should always include exploring if the person in question has a plan of action attached to his/her suicidal ideation. This is something loved ones can explore as well. Is your loved one giving away prized possessions, suddenly or impulsively purchasing a firearm, or obtaining other means of harming oneself (poison, medication, or other harmful items)? If a loved one is experiencing some of these warning signs it is important to seek immediate assistance from your physician, therapist, counselor, and/or the local emergency room.

Self-care for the person with suicidal ideation/behavior and their loved ones is the final aspect to explore within this blog. It’s important because of the draining nature and frightening stigma attached to suicide. Self-care can include seeking therapy, getting a medical physician involved, learning how to talk about subjects like suicide, drugs, sex, sexual identity, bullying etc…, getting exercise and appropriate nutrition, being involved in social environments (despite wanting to isolate), getting a massage, meditating and/or attending a spiritual place of worship.

There are many other activities that are particular to people’s tastes and hobbies. It is important, however, to do something that connects the one suffering to others and fuels a passion for life within themselves. This may be something they  have never tried before and do not initially want to try.  However, participating in a safe activity or hobby with another person just may mean the difference between living and suffering.

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