ABUSE MAGAZINE
February 21 , 2013
The recent and highly publicized suicide of country singer , Mindy McCready , has once again brought attention to the need for more public awareness of the signs and symptoms of a suicidal individual . Before McCready died , she recorded one final song , and asked that her friend Dan Hanks produce a video to be released on YouTube . When Hanks asked McCready for a release date , her response indicated that he would know when the time was “ right ”. Knowing the request was odd , Hanks was still clueless to the events about to transpire .
This very scenario highlights the importance of knowing how to distinguish the difference between an embarrassing moment and utterance of , “ I could just die !” versus a more serious expression of , “ I want to kill myself ,” due to struggles with depression , drugs , or stress . Identifying the warning signs of suicide is a real life and death situation . In 2007 , suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the U . S ., resulting in 34,598 deaths in the U . S ., according to the National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) Suicide in the U . S . Statistics and Prevention study .
How do you know when someone is thinking about suicide ? When is the right time to have an intervention ? Read on to learn more about suicide warning signs and how to talk to someone who is thinking about killing themselves .
The Warning Signs Of Suicide
When someone is suffering or struggling with addiction , pain , or depression , it isn ’ t always so obvious . Most people who have suicidal thoughts or tendencies at some point show signs that they are thinking about killing themselves .
• Talking about killing themselves
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol
• Uncontrollable anger
• Feeling of worthlessness or no sense of purpose
Source : The Watershed
• Feeling hopeless , desperate , or even trapped
• Loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed
• Withdrawal from family and loved ones
• Irrational mood swings and behaviors
• Anxiety and depression
• Change in sleep and eating habits
• Neglect of personal care
• Self-injury and reckless behavior
• Expressing unusual behaviors and thoughts in journals , through social media outlets , or communication
• Giving away prized possessions
Critical Warning Signs Of Suicide
• Person has a weapon and threatening to cause themselves harm
• Talking about killing themselves and acting anxious or agitated
• Talking about death or suicide while drunk or high
• Seeking methods to kill themselves
Warning : Please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-861- 1768 right now if you identify with any of the above signs or know someone who exhibits these signs . You only need one of these warning signs to take action . Many people will not say anything because they don ’ t want to jump to a conclusion in case they were wrong . This is one situation where if you aren ’ t wrong , your efforts could save the life of someone you love . Isn ’ t that a good enough reason to say something ?
How To Help Someone Who Has Suicidal Behaviors
Before you start talking to someone about your concerns , be sure to have all your suicide resources available ( websites , helplines , mental health facilities , etc .)
Mention the signs that they are displaying that prompted you to even ask them the question to begin with . Listen to their concerns and let them know that you are there and that you care about them . Ask the person if they have access to anything that could cause them harm ; like a weapon or drugs . If at any point you feel like your life is in danger , remove yourself from the situation and call 911 immediately . If they have expressed continued interest in killing themselves , they have discussed means in which to do it , it ’ s time to seek real help . Provide the person with the resources that you have obtained and tell them that you are willing to walk with them through the steps of getting help .
Trying to help someone in crisis can be a scary experience and it ’ s important to understand that you are not alone . There are multiple resources available to help you prevent and intervene . If you know someone is struggling , please contact someone for help now . Suicide can be prevented if you care enough to speak up !
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