Suicide Prevention Tips

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Find out the warning signs of suicide and the programs out there to help survivors cope.

Warning Signs of Suicide

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:

Giving away prized possessions

Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm

Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications

Unexpected rage or anger

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:

Police: 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Hotline - When you Need Someone To Talk To

Covenant House Nineline: 800-999-9999

National Hotline - Crisis Prevention for Gay Youth

Trevor Helpline: 800-850-8078

CHICAGOLAND HOTLINES:

Emergency Medical Care, North Suburban Chicago

Evanston/Northwestern Healthcare Crisis Team: 847-570-2500 x 1