Can
you tell if someone is suicidal?
Most
people who commit or attempt suicide do behave in ways that warn
of their potential for self-destruction – if their friends, families
and physicians are attuned to the warning signs, and not deflected
by myths about how suicidal people should be approached.
Warning
signs of a potential suicide include:
- Talk
about suicide, death or having no reason to live
- Preoccupation
with death and dying
- Withdrawal
from friends, family and social activities
- Drastic
changes in behavior
- A
recent severe loss or threat of loss, particularly of an important
relationship
- Loss
of interest in work, school and hobbies
- An
unexpected decision to make a will or funeral arrangements
- Giving
away prized possessions
- A
previous suicide attempt
- Reckless,
impulsive or risky behavior
- Loss
of interest in personal appearance
- Increased
use of alcohol or drugs
- Comments
reflecting a sense of hopelessness
- Confronting
a situation of humiliation or failure
- A
history of violence or hostility
- An
unwillingness to respond to would-be helpers
Foregoing list is adapted from American
Association of Suicidology, Understanding and Helping the Suicidal Individual,
www.suicidology.org, Accessed 6/4/04
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