People are often caught off-guard when they hear that someone intentionally killed herself. In suicide, the decision to take your own life may come through irrational thought or because life seems too painful to continue. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), suicide was the 11th highest cause of death in the United States in 2006, responsible for 33,300 deaths. Suicide is often preventable if people learn the warning signs and take steps to see that a person at risk gets help through local mental health resources or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Increased Depression
Escalating depression with increasing talk of hopelessness is a leading warning sign of suicidal behavior. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, 90 percent of those who attempt suicide have a history of mental illness, including depression. Someone who is depressed sees no hope for the future and may act on that hopelessness if he feels it is intensifying.
Risky Substance Abuse
Risky substance abuse is another warning sign of suicidal behavior, according to NIMH. A chronic substance abuser who increases her abuse, especially when under stress, may indicate suicidal gesturing, which could become a valid suicide attempt. Having a substance at hand that could be fatal when overdosed gives the user the means to accomplish suicide if that intention crystallizes.
Family and Behavioral History
Vocalizing a history of suicide attempts or talking about family members who have committed suicide, especially at the anniversary of a suicide, is another warning sign of suicidal behavior. NIMH states that a history of mental health problems, suicidal gestures, physical violence, sexual abuse or even knowledge of peers having committed suicide all make suicide seem like a viable option.
Suicidal Expression
Talking or writing about suicide or making threats to hurt oneself are warnings of suicidal behavior. The National Mental Health Information Center states that unusual talk about death or dying may be a sign that a person intends to commit suicide
Forming a Plan
Forming a plan of action, such as purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills in lethal overdose quantity, is a warning sign of suicidal behavior. NIMH states that more than half of all suicides use a gun found in the home.
