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Because most suicidal people do not want to die, they send out a
call for help. This is a direct or indirect call through warning
signs to those around them to recognize their pain and reach out to
help them. There are few completed suicides that take place without
prior direct or indirect warning. Because suicidal behaviour can be
as difficult to forecast as weather, we should use all warning
signs to help us recognize the possibility that someone may be at
risk of suicide.
Indirect warning signs of suicide can be organized into five
general categories; situations, behaviours, physical changes,
thoughts and emotions. These are indicators that the person may be
considering suicide.
Struggling with Hard Life Situations (losses)
- sexual or physical abuse
- death of someone else
- divorce or separation
- dependency on drugs or alcohol
- running away from home
- work problems
- legal troubles
(Almost any situation can be hard, or feel like a major loss,
depending on how the person feels about it).
Showing Physical Changes
- lack of interest in appearance
- lack of physical energy
- loss of appetite
- disrupted sleep patterns
- loss of sexual interest
- increase in minor illnesses
These changes are also recognized as part of the warning signals
of depression or during a crisis.
Showing emotions like
- sadness
- lethargy
- apathy
- distress
- anger
- helplessness
- worthlessness
These changes are also recognized as part of the warning signals
of depression or during a crisis.
Expressing Thoughts of
- worthlessness, guilt, helplessness
- hopelessness
- loneliness
- escape behaviours
- sacrifice
- scattered thoughts or tunnel vision
These thoughts may be expressed verbally or in writing. These
changes are also recognized as part of the warning signals of
depression or during a crisis.
Behaviours which may indicate the person is in crisis and may
be thinking of suicide
- crying
- withdrawal
- quitting activities
- alcohol or drug abuse
- recklessness
- fighting and law-breaking
- making preparations for death (common preparations for death
include: giving away prizes possession; making a will or other
final arrangements; paying off debts and apologizing for past
mistakes; saying goodbye; talking about going away or quitting
school without clear plans, profound elation)
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