Warning Signs of Suicide

Depression may lead to suicidal ideation or to the act itself. Knowing and being able to recognize the warning signs of suicide will help prevent the unnecessary loss of someone's life. The following are some signs to watch for in depressed individuals.

Recent loss: Loss can lead to depression and may even result in suicidal ideation or behavior. Loss of a job, spouse, self-esteem, confidence, friendship, or divorce can provoke feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Depression: Some signs of depression include decreased or increased appetite, irritable mood, sleeping difficulties, crying spells, and hopelessness. If someone you love suddenly becomes very sad, irritable, hopeless, or expresses feelings of helplessness, you should encourage him or her to seek professional help. Depressed individuals also lose interest in sex, activities they enjoy, or people they love.

Personality change: Oftentimes, individuals who have a plan to kill themselves will suddenly go from being depressed to being chipper, happy, and optimistic. While you may think the individual is getting better, it could be that your loved one has a suicide plan in place and plans to kill himself or herself in the near future.

Suicide plan: One of the clearest warning signs of a future suicide attempt is making plans to kill oneself. If your loved one talks about death and dying a lot, talks about how he or she would kill himself or herself, and/or starts to gather the things he or she needs to carry out one's plan, you need to be very concerned for your loved one's safety.

Risk-taking: Individuals who want to commit suicide might begin to take unnecessary and dangerous risks. These might include driving particularly fast, driving drunk, running stop signs or red lights, and overdosing on medication.

Tying up loose ends: A loved one who is suicidal might write a will, visit close friends and family to say "good bye", pay off debts, make funeral arrangements, or make provisions for those he or she will leave behind.