Warning sign of suicide

Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression can lead to suicide. The most frequently identified warning signs have included thoughts of suicide or self-harm; obsessions with death; writing about death; sudden changes in personality, behavior, eating, or sleeping patterns; feelings of guilt; and decreased academic or work performance.

Suicide is a death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with any intent to die as a result of the behavior. The warning signs of suicide change with age.

Warning signs of suicide in children and teens may include preoccupation with death or suicide or a recent breakup of a relationship. When symptoms of depression include pervasive thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, a child or adolescent is conceivably at greater risk for suicide.

Warning signs of suicide in adults may include alcohol or substance abuse, recent job loss, or divorce.

Warning signs of suicide in older adults may include the recent death of a partner or diagnosis of a life-limiting illness.

A warning sign does not mean automatically that a person is going to attempt suicide, but it should be responded to in a serious & thoughtful manner. Depression usually can be successfully treated with medication, professional counseling, or a combination of the two.

Positive support from family, friends, partners, faith community members and professional helpers can help people to deal with such challenges so that they do not feel overwhelmed by what has happened or what is going on. This support also breaks the isolation that many people feel in such circumstances.
Warning sign of suicide