Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

10 Warning Signs Of Suicide That Could Save Someone's Life

It's important to know the signs and to pay attention.

192
https://unsplash.com/photos/a7XUtljVEMc

Suicide has become extremely prevalent in modern society. It seems everywhere one looks, they see something about it. Whether it be in the news, like with the passing of celebrities like Chester Bennington, Kate Spade, or Anthony Bourdain, or in the media like the Netflix original "13 Reasons Why" or the new ABC show "A Million Little Things." Suicide is very serious, and despite its ever-present exposure, it is important to not become desensitized to it. There are very important warning signs that someone close to you may be contemplating suicide, and it would be a good idea to educate yourself on them properly.

1. Excessive sadness or moodiness.

cdn.pixabay.com

This includes, long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage are all warning signs of suicide.

2. Hopelessness. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/qiZna49OSu4

Feeling hopeless about the future, or feeling that things won't or cannot improve.

3. Sleep problems.

cdn.pixabay.com

This includes sleeping too much, sleeping too little, insomnia, and other sleep disorders.

4. Apathy or Calmness.

cdn.pixabay.com

Showing a sudden sense of calm after a period of depression or an extreme mood swing can be a sign that someone has made a decision to end their life.

5. Withdrawal or Isolation.

cdn.pixabay.com

According to Save.Org, choosing to be alone, avoiding friends, and avoiding social gatherings/activities may also be signs of suicide.

6. Changes in personality and/or appearance.

cdn.pixabay.com

Someone contemplating suicide may experience a change in attitude or behavior. They may begin to speak or move with unusual speed or slowness. They also may suddenly become less concerned about their physical appearance or have some great change, like a shocking haircut or a drop or gain in weight.

7. Dangerous or self-harmful behavior.

cdn.pixabay.com

This includes potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol, as well as self-harm in the form of cutting or other self-mutilation.

8. Recent trauma or life crisis.

cdn.pixabay.com

A major life crisis might trigger a suicide attempt. WebMD sited the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems all as possible life crises. Another may be if someone close to someone else were to also attempt or commit suicide, this could trigger a chain reaction and cause a suicide attempt for another.

9. Making preparations.

libreshot.com

This includes both putting their personal affairs in order like visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, or cleaning up their room or home. It also includes making the suicide plans, like writing a note or preparing the means. For example, buying a firearm or other means like poison.

10. Threatening suicide.

cdn.stocksnap.io

If someone is talking about killing themselves, even in passing or in jest, this could be a serious warning sign that they may be planning to hurt or kill themselves. WebMD states that 50% to 75% of those considering suicide will give someone -- a friend or relative -- a warning sign. Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it, but EVERY threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

I've lost more than one friend to suicide, and that is what spurred me to educate myself on the warning signs. Not all cases will follow these signs exactly, but this list of warning signs is very important. While it will never be your responsibility to stop someone from taking their own life, it is important to know the signs so that you can help a friend or loved one get help from the PROPER people and resources. There are suicide hotlines available and further information online. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day at the following number: 1-800-273-8255.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51552
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33100
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956080
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181009
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments