Signs someone may be thinking about suicide
Thinking about suicide is more common than we might think. If you’re worried about someone or something feels weird, trust yourself and your instincts. We can all hide how we feel inside, smiling in social situations to cover up what's happening. It's not always easy to know when someone is thinking about suicide, but here are some things you might notice.
Suicide is rarely the result of a single event or factor. It is usually a combination of lots of factors.
Suicides without any signs do happen but it’s rare. Often people do things consciously or unconsciously which show they are struggling.
What might they say?
‘I don’t know how I will ever get out of this situation’
‘I’m a bad person’
‘Nothing will help me’
‘I can’t take it anymore’
‘I hate my life’
‘Everyone would be better off without me’
How might they feel?
Trapped
Worthless
Helpless
Angry
Numb
In Pain
Guilt and shame
Elated or at peace - sometimes people can seem calm because they have made a decision
What might we learn has happened to them?
Bereavement
Break up
Adverse childhood experiences
Illness or injury
Mental illness or challenges
Financial problems
Legal problems
Job loss
Violence in the home
School pressure
What might we see in their behaviour?
Unpredictable moods
Isolating themselves
Going out all the time
Changes to routine
Sleep issues
Neglecting themselves
Caring less about their
appearance
Continued...
Behaving in a reckless way
Increased alcohol or drug use
Being irritable
Talking about dying
Giving away possessions
Saying goodbye
Researching and planning death
These are examples, there may be other indicators.
Something feels strange? Trust your instinct.
So you’ve noticed some signs and you feel worried. What now?
Ask if you are worried about someone
Listen non judgementally
Explore ways to help them to cope
