Warning signs of suicide

Warning signs of suicide – The AFSP notes that people who take their own lives may speak about doing so prior to committing suicide. People should seek help if they or a loved one talks about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live or being a burden to others. People who speak of feeling trapped or feeling unbearable pain also may be exhibiting warning signs of suicide. #BeThe1To

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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is in September of each year. Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day (held September 10). In 2020, it will be held on September 8-14, 2024.

World Suicide Prevention Day

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence

The deaths of Spade and Bourdain prompted many to inquire about suicide, its causes and if there are any signs that might help them identify if a loved one is having suicidal thoughts. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), no single thing causes suicide. The AFSP notes that suicide is most often a byproduct of the convergence of stressors and health issues that, when coupled, create a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Depression and anxiety are two conditions most commonly associated with suicide. But the AFSP notes that most people who have been diagnosed with these conditions and actively manage them go on to engage in life. Undiagnosed depression and anxiety, as well as undiagnosed or unaddressed substance abuse, increase a person’s risk for suicide. That’s why it’s so important for men, women and young people to learn to recognize warning signs for suicide and put themselves in a position to promptly address their own issues or those of a loved one.

Speech

The AFSP notes that people who take their own lives may speak about doing so prior to committing suicide. People should seek help if they or a loved one talks about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live or being a burden to others. People who speak of feeling trapped or feeling unbearable pain also may be exhibiting warning signs of suicide.

If a person talks about:

Killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain

Behavior

Behavior, especially behavior that can be linked to a painful event, loss or change, is another potential indicator that a person is having suicidal thoughts. Such behaviors include:

Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Fatigue

Mood

Mood also is a potential indicator that a person might be having suicidal thoughts. In addition to depression and anxiety, people who are considering taking their own lives may exhibit a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed. Irritability, humiliation, agitation/anger, and relief/sudden improvement are other moods the AFSP notes may be warning signs for suicide.

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

Depression
Anxiety
Loss of interest
Irritability
Humiliation/Shame
Agitation/Anger
Relief/Sudden Improvement

Mental health conditions
- Depression
- Substance use problems
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships
- Conduct disorder
- Anxiety disorders
Serious physical health conditions including pain
Traumatic brain injury

Environmental Factors

Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Historical Factors

Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

Reach out

The deaths of two highly regarded celebrities brought suicide to the forefront in 2018. Taking the time to understand suicide and its warning signs can help people prevent tragedies. More information is available at www.afsp.org. People who are in crisis or suspect a loved one may be in crisis are urged to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Suicide, Anxiety and Mental Health Posts

This is a list of blog posts on Courageous Christian Father relating to suicide, anxiety and mental health since they all can relate.

If you are in crisis, please call the

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

or contact the Crisis Text Line

Or texting 988

More info

Article compliments of Metro Creative, info from AFSP and Suicide Prevention Life Line Websites. TF189295 – First published August 31, 2018. Last updated or republished August 24, 2024.

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About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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