Every year 30,000 Americans commit suicide. Another 300,000 attempt to take their own lives. Many of those who die by suicide have a mental disorder, most specifically depression or bipolar disorder.
The symptoms of depression appear. The affected individual shows signs of sadness, anxiety, irritability or hopeless. He may hibernate in the house refusing social or occupational contact. He sleeps more or less than usual and may often waken in the early morning hours exhausted yet unable to return to sleep. He may feel slowed down like he is walking and talking in slow motion...or alternately he may be fidgety and unable to sit still (agitated). Always tired, he may have feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Problems with thinking, concentrating and decision making are ever present. He has thoughts of suicide. As the depression deepens and hope for ever recovering recedes the suicidal person sets his thoughts on ending his own pain. Death may appear to be his only and ultimate choice.
Suicide is not inevitable however. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Rapid intervention and appropriate treatment for those at high risk can be life saving. The more that people learn about suicide and its warning signs, the greater hope for more tomorrows for more people.
Suicide Warning Signals
1. increased sadness, moodiness, being down
2. worthlessness, discouragement
3. withdrawl from friends, families and normal activities
4. specific suicide threats
5. letters, poems or essays revealing suicidal thoughts and preoccupation with death
6. persistent boredom
7. decline in work/school performance
8. violent, hostile, rebellious behavior in young people
9. ending close relationships
10. increased drug and alcohol use
11. failed love relationship
12. neglect of personal hygiene and appearance
13. extreme difficulty in concentrating
14. radical personality change
15. complaints about physical symptoms "headache, fatigue etc)
16. outright statements like "I give up, it's no use, or nothing matters anymore"
17. putting affairs in order 18. giving away possessions
19. clear statement of desire not to live
20. sudden change to peacefulness in the person may indicate his plans are made.
How can I Help?
Many people have thoughts of suicide at some point in their life. These can range from fleeting thoughts to threats and or a concrete plan for carrying it out. Any suicide threat or attempt is a medical emergency. React by staying with the individual at all times and phoning for help. Suicide hotlines are listed in the front of the telephone book, the individual's own doctor if available or dial 911 for immediate assistance. It is that important!
