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If someone you know is at risk for suicide
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 Feeling
suicidal is usually the result of a mood disorder, a biological condition
which can cause intense sadness, hopelessness and despair. The more intense
these feelings become, and the more often the person describes them as
"unbearable," the more likely it is that suicide may enter the person's
mind. Here are signs that may indicate that someone close to you is feeling
suicidal:
- talking about feeling
suicidal or wanting to die
- feeling hopeless,
that nothing will ever change or get better
- feeling helpless,
that nothing one does makes any difference
- feeling like a
burden to family and friends
- abusing alcohol
or drugs
- putting affairs
in order (e.g., organizing finances or giving away possessions)
- writing a suicide
note
- putting oneself
in harm's way, or in situations where there is a danger of being killed
- experiencing anxiety,
agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- withdrawing from
friends, family and society
- experiencing dramatic
mood changes
- Important note:
Many individuals have completed suicide after only a few of these symptoms
had been noticed by others. ANY of these symptoms must be taken seriously.
Sources
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National
Institute of Mental Health: US Dept of Health and Human Services
| What
to do if someone is suicidal |
- Anyone who is thinking
about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from
a mental health professional or a physician. Anyone who talks about
suicide should be taken seriously.
- Be available. Show
interest and support.
- Listen and accept
the expression of feelings.
- Don't judge. Don't
debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad.
Don't lecture on the value of life.
- Don't ask 'why';
this encourages defensiveness.
- Don't be sworn
to secrecy. Seek support from other people.
- Offer hope that
alternatives are available, but do not offer glib reassurance; it only
proves you don't understand.
- Be direct. Don't
be afraid to ask: "Do you sometimes feel so bad you think of suicide?
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- There is no danger
of "giving someone the idea." In fact, it can be a great relief to bring
the question into the open, and discuss it freely, without showing shock
or disapproval.
- If the answer is
"Yes, I do think of suicide," you must take it seriously. Ask questions
like: Have you thought about how you'd do it? Or when? Have you ever
tried suicide before? If the person has a plan, the means are easily
available, the method is a lethal one, and the time is set, the risk
of suicide is very high. It is vital not to underestimate the danger.
- Take action! Remove
harmful means. Call a doctor, emergency room, the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline, 1-800-SUICIDE or 911 to get immediate help. Make sure
the person is not left alone
Sources
National
Institute of Mental Health: US Dept of Health and Human Services
National
Alliance on Mental Illness
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Risk Factors
for suicide
These risk factors increase the likelihood that persons will harm
themselves.
- Previous
suicide attempt(s)
- History of
mental disorders, particularly depression
- History of
alcohol and substance abuse
- Family history
of suicide
- Family history
of child maltreatment
- Feelings
of hopelessness
- Impulsive
or aggressive tendencies
- Barriers
to accessing mental health treatment
- Loss (relational,
social, work, or financial)
- Physical
illness
- Easy access
to lethal methods
- Unwillingness
to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and
substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts
- Cultural
and religious beliefs-for instance, the belief that suicide is
a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Local epidemics
of suicide
- Isolation,
a feeling of being cut off from other people
Source
U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. |
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Page updated September 1, 2009
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