I recently lost a friend to suicide. It was very hard for me because he was so young and he was such a good guy. I really wish I would have realized how much pain he was in.
Although I know there is nothing I could have done and that most of the time nothing can be done, I wanted to research the warning signs. I’m hoping that sharing these signs will help someone that has a friend in need before it is too late.
These signs don’t encompass every person, but they are good guidelines. I recommend contacting a professional and getting their opinion if you are concerned for someone’s safety.
Talk
When a person talks about wanting to die, or talks about feeling hopeless with no reason to live, that is a sign that they need help.
Behavior
One behavior to look out for is reckless behavior and increased substance abuse. Isolation can also be another behavior to be concerned about. A final behavior to be concerned about is if someone gives away a lot of possessions at once and visits and says goodbyes to many people around the same time.
Mood
Many symptoms of depression like loss of interest and irritability can be a sign of something wrong.
These signs are not all encompassing since everyone is different, but they are a good start. Check out the resources below for more information about warning signs. If you are struggling yourself I recommend seeking help. You can get through it.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-say-to-someone-with-depression#warning-signs-for-suicide
