It’s valuable to be able to recognize signs that might warn of a #suicideattempt
#Suicide is a devastating act that can seem to have come from nowhere. While we can’t accurately predict an attempt, it can be helpful to understand what might put a person at risk. If you think a loved one is at risk for #suicide, please call: #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
If several of the following conditions occur nearly every day for 2 weeks or more, it could indicate #depression:
Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, sad
Loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities
Changes in eating, sleeping patterns
Exhaustion, low energy
Feeling anxious, irritable, restless
Physical pain without a physical cause
Drop in performance at work or #school
Trouble focusing or making decisions
Not wanting to be around other people
Thoughts of death or #suicide
Other risk factors
#Alcohol and #drug use
A previous #suicideattempt
A family history of #depression, #suicide, abuse
A major loss–a death, relationship, home
An event that causes shame, #guilt, disgrace
Physical health problems
Learning of someone else’s #suicidalbehavior
Easy access to the means to commit #suicide
Being impulsive or isolated
Warning Signs of #Suicide
These signs may indicate that a #suicideattempt is close:
Direct threats to hurt or kill oneself
Looking for a way to commit #suicide, for example, buying a gun or stockpiling pills
A focus on death–either by talking, writing, drawing, or posting online about death or #suicide; listening to music or looking at websites related to death
Having a plan for an attempt; generally, the more detailed the plan, the higher the risk
#Behaviors and moods associated with #depression as described
A change in personality or mood–including suddenly becoming happy or calm after being sad
Neglect of appearance or cleanliness
Doing risky or self-destructive things
Giving away meaningful belongings
Taking care of end-of-life affairs, such as making a will, or getting life insurance in order
Saying goodbye to friends and loved ones
Take extra caution if a person exhibits one or more warning signs and also has one or more risk factors or appears intoxicated. For more information, visit #SuicidePreventionLifeline.
If you or a loved one is considering #suicide, please call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
