Do You Know the Warning Signs of Suicide?

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week (September 7 - 13). According to the Missouri Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet, suicide is the 10th ranking cause of death in Missouri. An average of 699 residents die by suicide each year, that's 2 suicides per day. While men are 4 times more likely to kill themselves, women are 3 times more likely to attempt suicide. Either way, the aftermath is devastation for all concerned. Do you know the warning signs? Do you know what to do when you realize someone may be considering suicide?

The warning signs of suicide include:

• Threatening or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
• Seeking access to guns, pills, or other means.
• Feeling hopeless or feeling trapped - like there's no way out.
• Feeling rage, uncontrollable anger, or seeking revenge.
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking.
• Increasing alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society.
• Feeling anxious, agitated, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time.
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes, or acting "out of character."
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

What to do if you think a person is having suicidal thoughts:

• Ask the person directly if she or he is having suicidal thoughts or ideas, has a plan, or has access to lethal means. Talking about suicide won't increase the person's suicidal thoughts. The answers to these questions will let you know how strong the suicidal intention is.
• Be willing to listen without judgment. Don't ask "why" because it encourages defensiveness. Accept the person's feelings and offer empathy (not sympathy).
• Offer hope that an alternate solution to the person's pain exists.
• Seek help. Call the 24-hour suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Where to find more information:

• The American Association of Suicidology has a 3-page, down-to-earth handout you can view or download.
• You can print out a wallet card from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• Check out the Missouri Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
• In the central Missouri area, you can find 24-hour crisis services through Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Especially for counselors:

• If you would like free training, you can sign up for workshops through the National Center for Suicide Prevention.

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