SUICIDE: Warning signs

Published: December 2, 2008

Warning signs

People considering suicide usually show some common warning signs. If you witness any of these signs in a friend or family member, it is important to get that person qualified help:

→Verbal cues such as if someone says they are considering suicide, ending their pain or wish they would die; they probably mean it. Don’t assume these kinds of statements are sarcastic or overly-dramatic.

→Someone who has previously attempted suicide is more likely to try again.

→Putting personal affairs in order or giving prized possessions away could mean a person is planning for suicide.

→Sudden changes in mood, either to depression or happiness, can be a warning sign.

→Emotional triggers such as the death of a loved one or a relationship breakup can trigger depression and suicidal thoughts.

→Diagnosis of a terminal illness and any sort of loss of freedom or financial security can trigger suicidal thoughts, especially when combined with an existing depressive disorder.

What should you do if someone you know shows warning signs of suicide?

→If you are a child or teen, you should talk to a trusted adult right away.

→If your child is showing warning signs, you should find professional help for that child. You can find local resources by calling the Reach Out Hotline toll-free at (800) 522-9054.

→If you are considering suicide, you can get help or just someone to talk to at (800) 273-TALK.

"It’s one of the most common myths, that if you talk to someone about suicide that you might plant the idea in their head or increase their risk,” said Jessica Hawkins, director of prevention services at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "That’s absolutely false.”

In fact, she said, talking openly to your child about suicide can reduce your child’s risk for suicidal thoughts.

"Starting that conversation actually brings down walls, opens up lines of communication and can provide a tremendous amount of relief to a person who has been carrying this burden for months, maybe years,” she said. "We have to get over this stigma about talking about suicide.”

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