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[Informational]

http://www.sfsuicide.org/html/warning.html   
 (This page has changed but we are going to add the nrw info, and also, keep the old)
                               
       

Possible SUICIDE Warning Signs     
               
Recognize the Signs Of Depression and Possible Suicide Risk  

*Talking About Dying -- any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, shooting oneself, or other types of self harm.

*Recent Loss -- through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of religious faith, loss of interest in friends, lossin Adult Relations, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed

*Change in Personality -- sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic

*Change in Behavior -- can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks

*Change in Sleep Patterns -- insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, nightmares

*Change in Eating Habits -- loss of appetite and weight, or overeating

*Diminished Sexual Interest -- impotence, menstrual abnormalities (often missed periods)

*Fear of losing control -- going crazy, harming self or others

*Low self esteem -- feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, "everyone would be better off without me"

*No hope for the future -- believing things will never get better; that nothing will ever change

Other things to watch for- Suicidal impulses, statements, plans; giving away favorite things; previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, making out wills, arranging for the care of pets, extravagant spending, agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness or lethargy.

REMEMBER: The risk of suicide may be greatest as the depression lifts.  Check this easy to remember list: P.L.A.I.D. P.A.L.S.

Contact us by e-mail for more information about our programs and services.  Please send comments about this website to our webmaster
©2008 San Francisco Suicide Prevention.

Last Updated December 18th, 2008         

[Informational]

http://www.sfsuicide.org/prevention-strategies/warning-signs/

Warning Signs

Recognize the Signs Of Possible Suicide Risk

While some people suicide without warning, here are some warning signs a person may be at risk of suicide.

*Talk about Killing Themselves:
This might seem obvious, but is often ignored. Some people that are considering suicide may talk about suicide or the methods they might use to kill themselves just before their attempt.

*Talking About Dying:
People who are suicidal often talk about death a lot. This could also come out in art, journaling or other ways of expression.

*Saying Goodbye:
People who are suicidal often say good-bye in strange ways. They might talk in terms of “not seeing me around anymore” or “no one would notice if I never came back”. They are hinting in the hopes that someone will stop them.

*Tying Up Loose Ends:
Suicidal people often give away personal possessions, make arrangements for the care of children or pets, make wills, or other acts as if they are preparing to end their life.

*Become Violent:
Some people become very violent or aggressive when they are suicidal. Watch for a sudden change in aggression.

*Sudden Isolation:
People who are considering suicide may suddenly isolate themselves from friends and family. When no one investigates, it can reinforce the idea that no one cares.

*Sudden Changes in Behavior:
When people are suicidal they may have sudden behavior changes in eating, sleeping, or activities previously enjoyed.

*Lack of Sleep:
Your brain needs sleep to function properly. People feeling depressed or in crisis, who are also not sleeping, are at increased risk.

*Drug and Alcohol Use:
Substance use and depression are a nasty combination. Many substances like alcohol are depressants and will make a person feel much worse. Sometimes people try to self-medicate their depression away through substance use, but that won’t work. Also drugs and alcohol can lower inhibitions, increasing the risk of sudden violence.

*Fear of Losing Control:
People who are suicidal can talk about their fears of losing control of their bodies or emotions.

*Very Low Self Esteem:
People feeling suicidal express being a burden, feeling worthless, having shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, “everyone would be better off without me”.

*No Hope for the Future:
People feeling suicidal often say that things will never get better and that nothing will ever change.


AND FINALLY REMEMBER:
The risk of suicide may sometimes be higher for a very depressed person once the depression lifts because the person may have more energy to carry out their planned act.

[Informational]

P.L.A.I.D. P.A.L.S.
Things to watch for when assessing potential risk…

PLAN – Do they have one?
LETHALITY – Is it lethal? Can they die?
AVAILABILITY – Do they have the means to carry it out?
ILLNESS – Do they have a mental or physical illness?
DEPRESSION – Chronic or specific incident(s)?
PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS – How many? How recent?
ALONE – Are they alone? Do they have a support system? Partner? Are they alone right now?
LOSS – Have they suffered a loss? Death, job, relationship, self esteem?SUBSTANCE ABUSE (or use) – Drugs, alcohol, medicine? Current, chronic?