Suicide Prevention Tips
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
Family Crisis and Substance Abuse, North Suburban Chicago
Omni Youth Services: 847-541-0199
Sexual Abuse, North Suburban Chicago
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
721 N LaSalle
Chicago, Illinois 60654
phone: 312-655-7200
web: www.catholiccharities.net
Suicide Prevention Services in Batavia
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
ELYSSA'S MISSION
