Teen Suicide II

Page 2
Suicidal Warning Signs
Plan For Action

Page 3
South Dakota Facts
If You've Lost a Child to Suicide
Resources

SUICIDAL WARNING SIGNS

Not every person who is depressed or considered at risk will attempt suicide.   When someone draws close to suicide, warning signs in the form of WORDS, ACTIONS or FEELINGS will tip off family and friends to the danger.  Seek help as soon as possible if you notice any of the following suicidal signals.

WORDS
v Talks, writes, or otherwise expresses a preoccupation with suicide or death in general.
v Complains of being a bad person or being "rotten inside."
v Gives verbal hints such as, "I'd be better off dead," "I won't be a problem for you much longer," "Nothing matters," "It's no use," and "I won't see you again."
v Threatens to hurt or kill oneself
v People thinking about suicide sometimes see their situation as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control.  Someone at this point may express feelings and thoughts such as:
· I can't stop the pain.
· I can't see any way out.
· I can't make the sadness go away.
· I can't seem to get control.
· I can't think clearly.
· I can't sleep, eat or work.
· I can't see a future without pain.
· I can't make decisions.     
· I can't get someone's attention.
· I can't get out of depression.
· I can't see myself as worthwhile.

ACTIONS

è Withdraws from friends or family.
è Significantly changes eating, sleeping, or appearance habits.
è Experiences sudden drop in academic performance.
è Puts his affairs in order; for example, gives away favorite toys, cleans his room, or throws away important belongings.
è Acts in rash, hostile, or irrational ways; often expresses rage.
è Increases alcohol or other drug use
è Seeks access to firearms, medication or other means of killing oneself

FEELINGS

» Feels overwhelmingly hopeless, guilty, or ashamed.
» Sees no reason for living, finds no purpose in life
» Feels rage or uncontrolled anger, feels need for revenge
» Feels trapped, anxious, or agitated
» Shows little interest in favorite activities or the future.
» Becomes suddenly cheerful after a period of depression (perhaps feeling that she's found a "solution" to her problems).
(Adopted from SAMSHA and South Dakota Suicide Prevention)

BACK TO TOP

PLAN FOR ACTION
If you think someone is suicidal:
è Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble
è Talk with the person about your concerns.  Remember, communication needs to include listening
è Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
è Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
è Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad.
è Don't lecture on the value of life.
è Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
è Don't dare the person to do it.
è Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
è Ask direct questions without being judgmental.  Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide.  The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk.
è Get professional help, even if the person resists
è Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
è Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
è Do not leave the person alone
è Do not swear to secrecy
è Do not act shocked or judgmental
è Do not counsel the person yourself

Most important, take any suicide attempt seriously. If your child or someone else you know is thinking about suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to find a crisis center in your area.

(Adopted from Mental Health America and from the American Association of Suicidology)

Back to Page 1  BACK TO TOP  Go To Page 3