How do we begin to recognize the risk factors for suicidal behavior?
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Anxiety, agitation
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Past attempts
- Extremely self hating thoughts
- Feeling like they don't belong
- Hopelessness
- Rage
- Feeling trapped
- Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
- Loss of interest in favorite activities - "nothing matters"
- Giving up on themselves
- Suicidal thoughts, plans or actions
- A sudden feeling of well being
Helping a friend or family member:
ASK: When friends or family members talk about or show warning signs of suicidal behavior, don't wait for things to get better, talk about it!! Talking helps by:
- Allowing you to get help
- May help the person feel less isolated, more cared about and understood
- Talking may help one see other solutions
Asking a friend or family member can be incredibly difficult, SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) recommends:
LISTEN: Listen to your friend or family member without making judgment and offer your reassurance. Don't leave them alone.
TELL: It is safest to get the necessary help right away. Even if you have been sworn to secrecy or feel as if you would be betraying your friend or family member, you should always seek help as soon as possible.
-Borrowed from:http://www.sadag.org/images/pdf/teen%20suicide%20prevention.pdf
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