Suicide: Signs to Watch For

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Suicide: Signs to Watch For

Sometimes, a suicidal person may give little indication that they plan to commit suicide, but here are some signs you should know about.

Has the person had a close relative (like a parent) commit suicide?
Has the person attempted suicide in the past?
Does the person talk about or threaten suicide?

Does the person show signs of depression, such as:

mood changes (gradual, or sudden)
changes in behavior (gradual or sudden)
gain or loss of weight
lack of interest in a favorite activity or sports team (be concerned if a child or teenager who is a great sports fan suddenly loses interest in his/her favorite team)
lack of interest in life in general
changes in a child’s behavior patterns
trouble sleeping, or excessive sleeping
poor concentration or indecisiveness
withdrawing from others
lack of self-confidence or low self-esteem
tiredness
agitation
hopelessness

Is the person:

making plans for the care of children?
giving away valued possessions or pets?
suddenly calling up or visiting people he/she hasn’t seen in a long time?
showing sudden interest in insurance, wills, burial plots, etc.?
showing sudden calmness: the "calm before the storm"?
expressing hopelessness, either about themselves, or other things?
abusing alcohol?
abusing drugs?
going through a divorce, break-up of a relationship, etc.?
being investigated on charges of crime or serious misconduct?

Note: you should be especially concerned about the signs above if the person has tried to commit suicide before, or if the person has had a close relative (like a parent) commit suicide.

http://www.policesuicide.com/Warning_Signs.htm

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