Knowing the Signs: Help Prevent Suicide

Suicide can leave families and friends shattered and confused. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, there is nothing dignified, glamorous or special about taking your own life.
For the past decade, the United States has experienced a steadily increasing suicide rate, and according to the The Guardian newspaper this incline is also mirrored in the UK. It’s difficult to pinpoint the causes, but the poor economy, the prevalence and abuse of prescription pain medications and the media’s reflection of impossibly high standards may all play a part.
Stress is also a likely factor, as it has become what many people say is their #1 daily battle. Unless it is handled in a healthy manner, stress can beat down on people like a hammer, overwhelming them with fear and helplessness and damaging their home lives, jobs and relationships. When people feel unable to cope with those overwhelming emotions, they sometimes begin to consider extreme options such as suicide. And, terrifyingly, younger generations are increasingly viewing these extremes as viable options.
With 145 crisis centers in 49 states, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline aims to help callers connect with a local crisis center and other local resources as quickly as possible. The NSPL even contracts with the Department of Veteran Affairs to connect military heroes directly to the VA hotline.
Surprisingly, only 20-30% of the phone calls are specifically suicide related, said Lidia Bernik, Director of Network Development the NSPL. The other 70-80% are people who are desperate, hurting and need help but have nowhere else to turn.
In order to prevent suicide, it’s crucial to have a heightened awareness of the signs and symptoms. According to the NSPL, these are:
–Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
–Seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means of killing oneself.
–Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.
–Feelings of hopelessness.
–Feeling uncontrolled anger or rage, or seeking revenge.
–Engaging in reckless or risky behavior, seemingly without thinking.
–Feeling trapped and unable to see a way out.
–Increasing drug or alcohol use.
–Withdrawing from friends, family and society.
–Anxiousness, agitation, inability to sleep or excessive sleeping.
–Experiencing dramatic mood changes.
–Inability to see a reason for living, or lack of a sense of purpose in life.
The ability to open up lines of communication is crucial. Don’t be afraid to broach the subject of suicide, even if it means asking someone if they have had suicidal thoughts. If you are worried about a child and feel you can’t communicate with them directly, talk to your child’s school counselor or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
It is possible to prevent suicide. The hard part is overcoming one’s fear and reaching out with love, friendship and kindness to those in crisis. Who knows how many lives could be saved if more people simply took the initiative to ask, “How can I help?”
~Ben Anton, 2010

Learn more about how to recognize the warning signs of suicide,
and find help for those who are coping with grief on the Valley of Life support forum.