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Warning Signs
Early Warning Signs for Suicide/Classic Signs of Depression
- Objective
- Difficulties in school
- Drug/Alcohol abuse
- Sleep disturbances (too much, too little)
- Eating disturbances (weight gain or loss)
- Disinterest in usual activities
- Restless, agitated, anxious
- Irritable, Moody over minor incidents
- Pessimistic
- "Roller Coaster" moodiness-more often & for longer periods than usual
- Overly self-critical
- Difficulty in concentration
- Preoccupation with death (often through music, poetry, videos)
- Subjective
- Feeling sad, angry
- Feeling like a failure/worthless
- Hopeless, helpless, hapless
- Persistent physical complaints
Late Warning Signs
- Objective:
- Talk of suicide, death
- Neglect of appearance, hygiene
- Dropping out of activities
- Isolating self from friends, family
- Refuses help, feels beyond help
- Puts life in order-may make a will
- Picks a fight, argues
- Puts self at risk without considering consequences
- Gives away favorite possessions
- Subjective:
- Feeling life is meaningless, feeling unlovable
- Hopelessness, helplessness increases
- Perceived burdensomeness
- Sudden improvement in mood, behavior after being down or withdrawn*
*It is important to note that most suicidal people, no matter what their age, suffer from some degree of depression. In young people the depression often goes undiagnosed until a crisis occurs. Depression may leave a person feeling drained, "too tired" to carry out a suicide plan of action. When the depression begins to lift and you notice a sudden improvement, be warned that this could be a very dangerous time.
Three months following a period of depression is a critical time of suicidal risk. The person has the energy to act, and may even appear cheerful and at peace with the world.
Direct Verbal Clues
- I wish I were dead.
- I'm going to end it all.
- I've decided to kill myself.
- I believe in suicide.
- If such and such doesn't happen, I'll kill myself.
Less Direct Verbal Clues
- You will be better off without me.
- I'm so tired of it all.
- What's the point of living?
- Here, take this. I won't be needing it anymore.
- Pretty soon you won't have to worry about me.
- Goodbye. We all have to say goodbye.
- How do you become an organ donor?
- Who cares if I'm dead, anyway?
Warning signs can be organized around the word FACT:
Feelings:
- Hopelessness- "Things will never get any better." "There's nothing anyone can do." "I'll always feel this way."
- Fear of losing control, going crazy, harming self or others.
- Helpless, worthless, "Nobody cares about me." "Everyone would be better off without me."
- Overwhelming guilt, shame, and self-hatred.
- Pervasive sadness.
- Persistent anxiety or anger.
Action or Events:
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
- Themes of death or destruction in talk or written materials.
- Nightmares.
- Recent loss-through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, money, status, self-esteem.
- Loss of religious faith.
- Agitation, restlessness.
- Aggression, recklessness.
Change:
- Personality-more withdrawn, tired, apathetic, indecisive or more boisterous, talkative, outgoing.
- Behavior-can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks.
- Sleep pattern-over sleeping or insomnia, sometimes with early waking.
- Eating habits-loss of appetite and weight or overeating.
- Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, personal grooming, or other activities previously enjoyed.
- Sudden improvement after a period of being down or withdrawn.
- Getting into trouble at school, or with the law.
Threats:
- Statements, e.g., "How long does it take to bleed to death?"
- Threats, e.g. "I won't be around much longer."
- Plans, e.g., putting affairs in order, giving away favorite things, studying drug effects, obtaining a weapon.
- Gestures or attempts, e.g., overdose, wrist cutting.
Of course, aside from the obvious gestures or threats, none of these
signs is a definite indication that the person will die by suicide.
Many people are depressed and never end their lives. Many experience
losses or evidence changes in behavior or demeanor with no indication
of suicide. However, if a number of these signs occur, they may be important
clues.
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