Suicide is the act of ending one's own life. This usually occurs due to overwhelming depression or stress. Some people become suicidal within the first months of starting a new antidepressant medication. People of any age can become suicidal. There are several warning signs of an impending suicide attempt and Suicide.org reports that 75 percent of people exhibit one or more of these signs prior to killing himself. If you feel someone may be suicidal, it is okay to ask them. Seek emergency help if someone is suicidal. Do not leave them alone.
Talking About It
Talking about suicide or death is one danger sign. The person considering suicide may become obsessed with death. She may start saying goodbye to family and friends and say things like, "you've been a good mother" or "you did all you could." She may say there is no reason to live or that life is just too hard to go on.
History of Previous Attempt
Someone who has attempted suicide before is in danger of another attempt, should he become upset or depressed. He may try to die via the same means or try an action more lethal than he used before.
Extreme Sadness
The person contemplating suicide is often extremely sad. He may quit performing his usual activities and stop visiting with his friends. He may exclaim that things seem hopeless and cry often. People who receive a terminal diagnosis or learn that they may experience a great deal of pain may become suicidal as well.
Rage
Uncontrolled rage leads some people to suicide. This often involves being spurned by a love interest. The act of suicide may feel like revenge to the person committing it.
Guilt
Some people commit suicide out of overwhelming guilt. This can occur if they feel that their actions led to the death or harm of someone else. It may also happen if they feel they have grossly violated their religious convictions or the moral expectations of their family.
Feeling Trapped
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration explains that feeling trapped is a warning sign of suicide. This can happen if someone is in a legal predicament or facing extreme financial or other serious obligations.
Mood Swings
Extreme mood swings can be indicative of an impending suicide attempt. Someone who is happy one day and extremely upset the next may be at increased risk of suicide. Agitation may be followed by quiet discouragement. Sometimes, the person will appear depressed for weeks and suddenly seem happy. While this may seem like a good thing on the surface, the happiness may be caused by finding a way out of her problems--deciding to kill herself.
Impulsiveness
Someone who exhibits other warning signs and is also impulsive has an increased suicide risk. He may abuse drugs and alcohol, drive dangerously, abuse others and have a disregard for his own life and the lives of those around him.
Making Final Preparations
A teenager contemplating suicide may give away his favorite belongings, while an adult may begin putting his affairs in order. She may plan her burial place, write a will and talk about instructions in the case of her death.
Obtaining the Means
Another danger sign is the acquirement of a gun, lethal pills or other means to kill oneself. Some people may plan a trip into the wilderness or somewhere else out of the ordinary.
