Suicide is a concern for anyone who suffers from psychological problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, and anyone who overuses alcohol or drugs. Although often draped in secrecy, there are several common warning signs that can indicate a person is considering suicide. Recognizing these signs is key to finding treatment and preventing the act.
If you or anyone you know is showing signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior, you can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Withdrawal
Someone who is considering suicide will often avoid social interaction with family, friends or other members of the community and prefer to spend time alone. A person with suicidal tendencies often feels trapped in a situation and does not believe there is a way out or that a problem can be resolved. A normally outgoing, talkative person may suddenly appear shy or withdrawn and have little to say. The opposite may also be true. Someone who is normally shy or withdrawn may suddenly display outbursts of emotion or begin to have mood swings, with extreme emotional highs and lows.
Suicidal Behavior
Suicide begins with the idea and ends with the act, according to experts at Mayo Clinic. Between the two there are often telltale behaviors that give friends and family members a clue as to what is going on inside the person's mind. Early on, someone considering suicide might just openly say "I want to die" or "I wish I was never born." That person may be unusually preoccupied with death and violence.
Reckless and self-destructive behavior, such as ongoing substance abuse or driving while intoxicated, is a sign of suicidal depression because it indicates a lack of concern about the person's well-being.
Because suicide requires some preparation, a person who wants to take his own life must find the means. Stockpiling medication or alcohol or buying or borrowing a weapon can be signs that someone is preparing to commit suicide.
Saying Goodbye
Someone who is about to attempt suicide may start getting their affairs in order and begin to say "goodbye" to people in a way that feels like the last time. These "goodbyes" may be written down and left where they are sure to be found, or they may come in the mail. Although a person considering suicide may have family and friends who care deeply about her and may rely on her for their own well-being, she does not feel any sense of purpose or reason to live. She may start giving away money and personal belongings.
