Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings. Prevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.
Warning signs of suicide include:
- Observable signs of serious depression:
- Unrelenting low mood
- Pessimism
- Hopelessness
- Desperation
- Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension
- Withdrawal
- Sleep problems
- Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
- Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
Making a plan:
The emotional crises that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is rather expressed as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that had been enjoyable. One can help prevent suicide through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses.
Resources:
NATIONAL HOTLINES:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Covenant House Nineline: 800-999-9999
Trevor Helpline: 800-850-8078
CHICAGOLAND HOTLINES:
Evanston/Northwestern Healthcare Crisis Team: 847-570-2500 x 1
Omni Youth Services: 847-541-0199
La Casa Hotline: 847-872-7799
The LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Program
LOSS offers a safe, non-judgmental place where group members are assisted throughout the grieving process.
Catholic Charities
126 N. Desplaines Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2357
phone: 312.655.7283
fax: 312.655.0678
e-mail: jscott@catholiccharities.net
web: www.catholiccharities.net
Suicide Prevention Services in Batavia
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
ELYSSA'S MISSION
www.elyssasmission.org.
