Suicide Warning Signs
While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. Learning them can save lives.
Warning Signs
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Previous attempts
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Feeling depressed
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Talking about death and suicide; may also use other forms of expression
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Giving away prized possessions
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Taking unnecessary, dangerous risks
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Having a predetermined method of suicide or a plan and sharing it
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Appearing suddenly happy after a long depression
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Withdrawing from family and friends
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Losing interest in regular activities
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Changing eating and sleeping habits
Key Factors
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Access to firearms. People who use firearms in their suicide attempt are more likely to die. Seventy percent who complete suicide use a gun.
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Significant loss. Death, separation, divorce, moving and ending a relationship are critical risk factors.
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Family conflict or rejection.
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Family history. Being the survivor of a family member’s suicide increases the risk of completing the suicide by six times.
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Childhood trauma. Violence to children is a strong risk factor for suicide when they become teens and adults, particularly victims of child sexual abuse.
Key Factors
Listen:
Listen carefully. Show your concern.Allow him or her to express feelings. Don’t judge or tell the person how she or he should be feeling.
Talk:
Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide.Ask directly if he or she is considering suicide. Ask concerned questions. Express your own concerns in a nonjudgmental manner.
Remember this when helping someone in crisis:
Don’t try to handle it alone. Don’t swear yourself to secrecy. Don’t ignore the situation, hoping things will improve. Don’t leave the person alone. Don’t minimize suicidal feelings.
Get help:
Arrange for the person to get professional help quickly. If she or he refuses, get help anyway. Stay with them while they call 988 to speak with a crisis counselor.