Suicide will not be a mental illness, but a serious potential consequence of treatable mental disorders, which include major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders resembling bulimia and anorexia nervosa.
Any of those signs could possibly be a possible warning sign of suicide:
- Severe sadness or moodiness. Persistent sadness, mood swings and unexpected anger.
- Hopelessness. Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness concerning the future, with little expectation that circumstances can improve.
- Sleep problems.
- Sudden calm. Sudden calm after a period of depression or upset could also be an indication that the person has made the choice to finish their life.
- Retreat. Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities are also possible symptoms of depression, a number one explanation for suicide. This includes lack of interest or enjoyment in activities the person previously enjoyed.
- Changes in personality or appearance. An individual contemplating suicide might show a change of their attitude or behavior, resembling: B. speaking or moving unusually fast or slowly. Additionally, the person may suddenly turn out to be less concerned about their personal appearance.
- Dangerous or self-harmful behavior. Potentially dangerous behavior resembling reckless driving, unsafe sex, and increased drug or alcohol use may indicate that the person now not values ​​their life.
- Recent trauma or life crisis. A serious life crisis could trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, the tip of a relationship, the diagnosis of a serious illness, the lack of a job, or serious financial problems.
- Make preparations. Often, an individual contemplating suicide begins by putting their personal affairs so as. This may include visiting family and friends, gifting away personal items, writing a will, and tidying up your room or apartment. Some people write a note before taking their very own life. Some buy a gun or other means resembling poison.
- Threatening or talking about suicide. 50 to 75% of those that take into consideration suicide give someone – a friend or relative – a warning sign. It is probably not a direct threat. They may talk unusually much about death or say things like, “It would be better if I weren't here.” However, not everyone who’s eager about suicide will say this, and never everyone who threatens suicide will actually do it do. Any suicide threat needs to be taken seriously.
Suicide rates are highest in teenager, young adults and older people. White men over 65 have the very best suicide rate. The risk of suicide can also be higher with:
- Elderly individuals who have lost a spouse through death or divorce
- People who’ve attempted suicide previously
- People with a family history of suicide
- People with a friend or colleague who killed themselves
- People with a history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- People who’re single, unskilled or unemployed
- People with persistent pain or a disabling or incurable illness
- People liable to violent or impulsive behavior
- People who’ve recently been released from a psychiatric hospital (This is usually a really frightening transition period.)
- People in certain professions, resembling cops and health care providers, who work with terminally sick patients
- People with drug problems
Although women are thrice more prone to attempt suicide, men are significantly more prone to attempt suicide.
Although suicide can’t be prevented with certainty, the danger can often be reduced through timely intervention. Research suggests that the very best solution to prevent suicide is to know the danger aspects, concentrate to the signs of depression and other mental disorders, recognize the warning signs of suicide, and intervene before the person completes the strategy of self-destruction can.
People who receive support from caring family and friends and have access to mental health services are less prone to act on their suicidal impulses than people who find themselves socially isolated. If someone you realize is showing warning signs of suicide:
- Don't be afraid to ask if the person is depressed or eager about suicide.
- Ask in the event that they are seeing a therapist or taking medication.
- Instead of attempting to talk the person out of suicide, allow them to know that depression is temporary and treatable.
- In some cases, the person simply must know that somebody cares and is in search of a chance to speak about their feelings. You can then encourage the person to hunt skilled help.
If you suspect someone you realize is in imminent danger of taking their very own life:
- Don't leave the person alone. If possible, ask friends or other members of the family for help.
- Ask the person to offer you any weapons. Take away or remove sharp objects or other objects that would cause injury to the person.
- If the person is already undergoing psychiatric treatment, help her or him to hunt advice and help from the doctor or therapist.
- Try to maintain the person as calm as possible.
- Call 911 or take the person to an emergency room.
- Call your local suicide prevention hotline or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMHSA) National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
- Call 988 when you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts.