Hardships, broken hearts, financial despair – there are many things – and combinations of things – that can drive a person to consider taking his or her own life, but usually, the threats don’t become reality. On occasion, though, the person threatening to take his life will actually do so leaving loved ones behind who wonder if they could have done something to prevent it.
There are certain signs which are displayed by most people that are seriously considering death as a way out of their difficulties. As long as the person is still alive, though, there’s still a chance that he can be helped.
The first and most obvious sign is that the person will talk about suicide. Although people who don’t eventually follow through with the suicide may also talk about it, the one who is serious about suicide will often mention how they will die. They’ll show others a firearm or talk about a particular method they will use to kill themselves. Spoken warning signs can consist of talking about pills, hanging or nooses, knives, or other harmful items.
Not all people who intend to kill themselves will talk about it. Some will go about their daily lives, all the while, considering how they will die. There are some traits, though, that almost all suicidal people display, including being depressed, crying often, having fits of rage, being nervous, or even suddenly becoming extremely introverted.
A person who has tried, yet failed, to commit suicide in the past is more likely to actually go through with it on a future date. If you know that your loved one has attempted suicide at least once take them seriously if they now threaten it again. People who have committed suicide usually had a history of past attempts.
Besides talking about death many people who plan suicide will write about or illustrate about death. The writing can be anything from fictional stories to writing actual suicide notes. Or, the person may list belongings of theirs which they wish for others to have, and give the lists to others for safekeeping. These writings or drawings are definite warning signs particularly if the person is not one to normally write or draw dark writings or images.
It’s usually cause for concern if the suicidal person spends a lot of time alone. Suicidal people often want to be alone with their thoughts. It’s not enough to make sure they’re not alone much, though. A person who wants to commit suicide will even if others try to keep them busy or occupied.
On the other hand, just because someone spends much time alone doesn’t necessarily mean they’re suicidal. Usually people who are serious about dying will display more than one warning sign – if not all of them.
If you notice that someone you love is suddenly giving away their possessions this is cause for alarm. If they want friends and family members to have things that used to have meaning to them something’s wrong.
Likewise, if a person suddenly stops going about their normal routines, or their everyday business, a warning bell should go off. People who no longer take care of chores and obligations are thinking to themselves that nothing matters anyway. Not all people act the same, though. Some people will do quite the opposite before committing suicide. If someone has a family they might suddenly pay off the mortgage, buy the wife a new car, or take the family on an extravagant vacation.
If someone you love has been distraught for some time, now they suddenly seem calm and at peace, this could be a red flag. When one resigns themselves to the notion of suicide, and accepts the fact that they will commit it, they often become very serene.
Any time a person threatens suicide it should be taken seriously. Since some people never speak of their intentions, though, it’s good to know some of the warning signs, especially if you know the person is depressed or has been through a heart-wrenching trauma.
There are things you can do to help the suicidal person. Show them you care a lot about them. Sometimes a suicidal person will change his or her mind if he thinks there is still someone in the world that cares. Encourage them to seek help, and in extreme cases, force them to. Don’t try to argue with them by telling them you don’t think they’ll really do it or by telling them things aren’t that bad. Tell the person that you don’t want them to die; tell them how much you need or love them. Recognizing common signs that a person is about to commit suicide can mean the difference between life and death – literally.
Reference:
- Read more about suicide warning signs: www.utexas.edu/student/cmhc/booklets/suicide/suicide.html
