SUICIDE

SUICIDE Read this first

 

Your friend says, “I just can’t take it anymore.”

Most people don’t mean that, but once in a while, there is one who does.

There is no single cause of suicide. Here are conditions which, alone or in combination, may signal those who are at risk:

Isolation and gender – men who are separated, widowed or divorced are at highest risk of suicide.

Social status – the higher a person’s social status the greater the risk. A sudden change in this status adds to the risk.

Depression – clinical depression plays a role in about two thirds of suicides in alder adults.

Other illness – a serious or chronic medical illness can increase the risk.

Many suicides are preventable, if you know the warning signs and then act on them. People who are undecided about living or dying may choose to live if given help.

• Verbal warning- As many as 80 per cent of people who commit suicide give some form of verbal warning of their intension. Take any talk of suicide seriously.
• Preoccupation with death – concentrating on death by reading about it or repeatedly turning the conversation to it may signal suicide plans.
• Suicide attempt – unsuccessful attempts are often followed by successful suicides.
• Unexpected gifts – giving away valued possessions may be a way of setting final affairs.
• Changes in behavior – increased sadness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and inability to concentrate, when severe and prolonged, may signal depression that can lead to suicide.
• If you are helping someone, be prepared to follow up by making sure they keep appointments for help and support.