One of the most tragic ways to lose someone is probably through suicide. Knowing that someone you love- or even just know- purposefully made the conscious decision to take their own life is heartbreaking and always seems like a shock even if they had been depressed or had suicidal tendencies. Why couldn't they see sense and realize that their life was worth living, and that there were so many people who cared about them and loved them? Why did they think that death was the only was the only way out? These may be questions that we, as people who don't have suicidal tendencies, may never be able to answer. We may not be able to change the world for the better of someone who has suicidal tendencies, but we can help to prevent them from taking their own life.
In order to help prevent the unnecessary deaths of those who have suicidal tendencies, one must know that warning signs of suicide. You see, suicide is not a spontaneous act- it's planned, usually well thought out, and well prepared for. This leads on to the warning signs of suicide, and how to tell them apart. Warning signs of suicide include depression, giving away treasured possessions, talking about ways to end their lives and mentioning that no one cares or will miss them if they died, self-harming (such as cutting), withdrawing from personal interests and distancing themselves from people they usually interact with, a change in eating and sleeping patterns, a dramatic change in personality, drug and alcohol abuse, reckless behavior, a drop in grades/performance in school or work, and generally just not caring about themselves or the hope of a future. The most important thing about identifying the warning signs of suicide is to not take them lightly or to just dismiss them. Many people dismiss talk of suicide as jokes, and that's when they're usually wrong. Sadly, those who do take the signs seriously don't handle the situation correctly. Suicidal people don't need a lecture about why they shouldn't commit suicide- they could probably give you two reasons to die for every reason you can give them to live. Instead, just lend a listening ear, and let them know that you (and many others) care about and love them, and reach out a helping hand. Get professional help (with their consent), and above all, show them God's love for them. Be accepting and set aside your judgments, and you'll be a tremendous help to them.
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