Warning Signs Of Suicide

Vincent van Gogh, Adolf Hitler, Cleopatra, Virginia Woolf, and Robin Williams all have something in common – they were popular in their own right, and no one would have suspected they would end their own lives the way they did. In fact, there is a long list of people whose lives ended too soon, such that suicide is now considered as the tenth leading cause of death in America. Unfortunately, among young adults and adolescents, it is one of the three leading causes of death.

What Causes Suicidal Behavior?

There are many possible reasons why people willingly take their lives. Research shows that 95% of suicides are associated with some form of mental illness, which includes depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism and substance abuse, delirium, phobias, and dementia.

A family history of suicide also increases the risk of another family member committing a similar act. Other factors that are linked to suicide include the following:

• Certain medications, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants and pain medications

• Serious physical illness, such as cancer or kidney failure

• Life experiences, including loss of a loved one, bullying, or sexual violence

• Poverty and economic instability

• Availability of firearms, which constitute more than half of all means of completing suicide attempts

• Influence of media and internet

• Other factors like sleep problems, lack of daylight, incarceration, hospitalization, and more

Studies show that suicide is more common among people with lighter skin color (i.e, whites) than among people with darker skin (i.e, blacks). Historically, suicide was more common among adolescents and older adults (75 years or older). A recent study involving elderly people (65-75 years old) revealed that some of them had suicidal thoughts which were triggered by their struggles with disability, illness, financial problems, family concerns and bereavement. However, in recent years, experts have seen a significant rise in suicide rates among people ages 35-64 years.

In addition, physicians, dentists and medical students also have a high rate of suicide.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Studies show that about 75% of people who kill themselves exhibited some warning signs of wanting to harm themselves. Nine out of ten victims are severely depressed, and some of them have a substance abuse problem or a combination of mental problems.

See Also: Recession Caused 10,000 More Suicides?

Doctors usually look for these warning signs in people who are likely to kill themselves:

• They think, talk about, and make a clear statement that they plan to kill themselves.

• They exhibit a pattern of behavior that suggest they are leaving, such as writing a will, saying goodbye to loved ones, making funeral arrangements, writing suicide notes, etc.

• They have a history of substance abuse.

• They have access to a handgun or firearm.

• They live alone or are isolated.

• They suffer from depression.

• They suffer from unbearable anxiety.

• They have just experienced a great loss (divorce, death of a loved one, or job loss)

• They have a strong family history of suicide.

• They have a mental illness and have just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital.

• They experience a powerful message to commit suicide (command hallucination).

Heed The Warning Signs Of Suicide

We often hear people say that they never would have thought that a person as successful or popular as the ones they knew would ever contemplate taking their own lives. Even family members and friends are shocked to hear the fate of their loved ones, as if they never saw it coming.

But looking carefully into previous cases of suicides will reveal that there may have been warning signs all along, and it was no secret that one would bring it to completion.

Characteristic signs of a suicidal person include:

• Having a previous unsuccessful suicide attempt

• Being depressed or overly anxious

• Being preoccupied with death

• Being isolated or withdrawn

• Being emotionally distant from others

• Having few family members or friends

• Being distracted, lacking a sense of humor, no feeling of pleasure

• Dwells on the past and sees no hope for the future

• Having a sense of hopelessness, such that nothing they do can change make things better

• Having a sense of helplessness, such that they feel they cannot help themselves and that no one else can help them

• Their physical appearance may also give a warning sign – they are often unkempt, unclean and disheveled. They may have wrist lacerations or physical manifestations of self-harm.

• Their face may show no emotion (flat affect).

• They exhibit loss of interest in all activities.

• They act impulsively, often having a death wish, such as driving a car too fast.

• Putting their affairs in order, as if they were leaving.

• A sudden switch from being very depressed to being happy or calm may be a sign that they have made up their mind to end their life soon.

What to Do to Help Someone Who is at Risk of Committing Suicide

If you suspect that someone is at risk of killing him/herself:

• Take them seriously. Listen to what they have to say.

• Do not leave them alone.

• Remove any drugs, guns, ropes, knives, or anything he might use to bring harm to himself.

• Call someone for help.

• Call 911 or bring him to the nearest emergency room.

• If danger is not imminent, talk to him calmly, and let him know that you are listening to him and that you care for him.

• Encourage him to see a health care professional.

• Be supportive during treatment.

See Also: Suicide Among Teenagers: Prevention Is Contagious

If you know someone who may be at risk of bringing harm to him/herself, call the suicide hotline: 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). It is best to take a person's hints or declarations seriously and consider it as an emergency.