Do You Recognize Suicide Warning Signs?
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, women attempt suicide three times as often as do men. Do you know how to recognize suicidal behaviors in yourself, your friends, and your family?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified the following risk factors for suicide:
- 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
Metanioa, an online mental health resource, offers these suggestions for helping someone who may be suicidal:
- Take it seriously.
- Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help.
- Be willing to give and get help sooner rather than later.
- Listen.
- ASK: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
- If the person is acutely suicidal, do not leave him alone.
- Urge professional help.
- No secrets.
Read more here.
Tags: behavior, Depression, Health, risk, suicidal, suicide, warning, woman, women, Womens-HealthRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Anxiety, Depression, Encouragement, Health, Mind, Prevention, Spirit, Stress, Wellness, Women's Issues
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3 opinions for Do You Recognize Suicide Warning Signs?
Danielle
Feb 23, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Well, I’ve been having a lot of thoughts about suicide lately.
And I want to go and hypothetically talk to my guidance person at school.
When I said hypothetically, I meant without telling her it’s me.
But I wouldn’t know where to begin
I do have depression. (Clinical)
And Have attempted suicide before.
I guess I want help, but i don’t know how to start.
Kristen King
Feb 25, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Hey, Danielle, thanks for visiting. I’m really proud of you for taking action to get some help for what you’re going through.
My advice would be to go talk with your counselor and just lay it all on the table. It’s had to know what to say, but if you’re stuck try something like this: “I’m depressed and I’ve been having suicidal thoughts. I want some help and I don’t know what to do.” She will be able to help you talk to your parents and find a doctor if you don’t already have one.
You may benefit from a physical examination to rule out any physical problems (hormones, chemical imbalances, something in your diet, etc) that could be making you feel this way. You may find that medication makes a big difference, or some natural dietary supplements that will help even things out.
Regardless of what the treatment is, you NEED to talk to someone at home or at school NOW. If you don’t feel you can talk to your counselor, maybe a favorite teacher or coach would be a good place to start. It is really scary to be honest about what you’re feeling, but you already know that it’s the best thing for you because you have been smart enough to do some research and ended up here. That is very, very commendable.
Please do talk to an adult you trust. You sound like a smart girl who wants to live. Don’t let fear of talking to someone keep you from having the happy life you deserve. You are worth it!
Come back and let me know how it goes, okay?
Hugs,
Kristen
Kimba
Jun 1, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Hey.
I just attempted suicide a few days ago, but my friend found out and called an ambulance.
He is so worried about me, I don’t know what he’d do if I tried to again. I don’t know how my kids would cope either.
I don’t want to seek help though, because I don’t want to be locked up in a psych ward with the key thrown away….
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