Suicide remains a complex and sensitive subject for many people. Talking about the subject openly and educating ourselves regarding the warning signs can help save lives. There is no single cause for suicide. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and/or substance abuse problems can increase the risk for suicide. However, some instances of suicide can be provoked by environmental events, tragedy, or trauma. That said, knowing what to look for and what to do about it can in many instances, prevent the tragedy of suicide.
There are some additional signs to look for in children:
These can manifest as changes in eating or sleeping patterns, withdrawing from family and friends or developing psychosomatic symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, or physical ails that cannot be explained).
If you feel like this yourself or experience family members/friends with these signs you can call or text 988 which is a lifeline and someone is always available to talk and help make a plan for intervention. In addition, the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 is another resource for talking to someone immediately. Locating a counselor or support group in your community is a good follow up plan to provide care for a person who is contemplating suicide. Intervention occurring with the first warning signs can help get a person redirected towards solutions before the situation progresses.
It is important to note that while intervention efforts are in most cases successful in preventing suicide, in some cases they don’t. When a person dies by suicide, their friends and family members need support in understanding the final decision was made by the individual themselves and they ultimately are responsible for that decision. Survivors such as family members and friends can suffer with guilt, depression, prolonged grief, shock, anger, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts themselves. The people around individuals who have survived the suicide of someone they love need their friends and family members to check on them. Counselors or community support groups are good resources for dealing with the impact of suicide. There are also times when a person commits suicide suddenly and without any warning. However, in most cases there are warning signs and if recognized and responded to, suicide can be prevented.
Recognizing and intervening when signs of suicide are present is one of the most important things we can do to prevent suicide. If you can’t remember resources in the moment, calling 911 is still appropriate as they can remind you of the 988 lifeline and list other resources in your community. Do not worry about straining your relationship when someone’s life is at stake. Be a good listener and collaborate with the individual to come up with a plan for intervention. Creating hope and being empathetic are two powerful tools in addressing crisis when they arise.
If you feel a need for additional help, our licensed therapists at HopeNation counseling are available to provide additional support when needed.