Warning...Warning...Warning...

So my regret is that the following variations on a theme surface from time to time. “I had no idea”, “I wish I had known what to look for”, “….even if I did know, I wouldn’t know how to respond”. So…let’s talk about what to look for and what to do. Thanks to several different sources, here are some potential warning signs that some you know/love may be considering suicide.

• Talking about dying (Or any form of harming ones self)
• Recent loss (of basically anything)
• Change in personality (Sad, irritable, anxious, withdrawn, apathetic)
• Change in behavior (Can’t concentrate on things they once always did)
• Change in sleep patterns (Can’t sleep, nightmares, etc)
• Change in appetite (Not eating enough or overeating)
• Fear of losing control (Going “crazy”)
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
• Low self esteem (Feeling worthless, self-hatred, a burden, shame)
• No hope for future (Believes things will never get better, nothing will change)

If someone you know exhibits these signs, listen carefully. You know your friends and family members. It’s ok to say “are you serious about that or are you kidding around?” Take them and the answers they give seriously. Talk to them and keep them talking if you think the intent is real. “Tell me more” or “Help me understand” are both effective, open ended ways to keep someone talking. Listen carefully to the answers and GIVE THEM HELP OR GET THEM HELP, before it’s too late. It’s much better to be safe now than sorry later.

The following statements may also be used to help keep the conversation going:

• Don’t be afraid to talk.
• Stay strong.
• Keep your head up.
• Don’t ever give up.
• Lean on others.
• Enjoy something new.
• Take a look at what you’ve accomplished.
• Be proud of who you are.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 1-800-273-TALK (8522) is a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you. It is free and confidential. You can call for your self or someone you care about. They work with a network of more than 130 crisis centers nationwide. There is someone at the other end of the phone 24/7.

If YOU are in crisis, if you are feeling desperate, alone or hopeless? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If you are a military veteran in crisis? Please call 1-800-273-TALK (8522) and press 1 to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Cuando usted llama al número 1-888-628-9454, su llamada se dirige al centro de ayuda de nuestra red disponible más cercano. Cuando el centro contesta su llamada, usted estará hablando con una persona que le escuchará, le hará preguntas y hará todo lo que esté a su alcance para ayudarlo. Para información en español haga clic aquí.

For Hearing and Speech Impaired with TTY Equipment: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides a list of additional Risk Factors to be aware of and some basic steps to take, like:

• Take it Seriously
• Be Willing to Listen
• Seek Professional Help from a mental health professional

Next up: Resources for Professionals.