From both a personal and not so personal experience; I have found these are some of the signs of someone contemplating suicide; this may include or exclude- any of these or maybe none of these...
What Are Some Of The Warning Signs For Suicide?
- Losing interest in their once favorite things to do.
- If a person suddenly starts calling into work; "sick", repeatedly.
- Obvious Lack of making any plans for future.
- A normally outgoing personality; suddenly becomes withdrawn and isolating themselves.
- Turning to a crutch, such as alcohol- or hard drugs.
- Not being able to pull one's self out of "FUNK".
- Talking about wanting; to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
The following paragraph of information is a word for word copy and paste from URL: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp.aspx
The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide.
***The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs,
seek help as soon as possible by calling the Lifeline at:
1-800-273-TALK (8255).If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs,
seek help as soon as possible by calling the Lifeline at:
Speaking to a therapist or attending a support group can help you work through your grief and improve your overall mental health. The following resources can help you find a psychologist, psychiatrist or support group near you.
Having a plan in place that can help guide you through difficult moments can make a difference and keep you safe.
Told through the voices of these individuals, their families, and the professionals in their support network, each inspiring story recounts one person's journey from a suicide attempt to the life of hope and recovery he/she is leading today.
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
End copy and paste from http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp.aspx
Thank you for the honor of spreading awareness and hopefully prevention of suicide from the use of your information.
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Each And Every Moment; SHOULD BE!
In my opinion; each and every month, every day, of each and every hour; should be the time to create awareness for the lonely and depressed.
And if you don't know what to do for them:
Call:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
They are there especially for this!
You can even call and get advice that is relevant specifically to your situation.
Unless you have lost a loved one to suicide, I don't believe you will ever fully understand the loss; a complete void in your life that will always be there.
I wouldn't want anyone to be in these [my] shoes...
This is why I vent publicly, I don't want anyone to ever have to go through this mind-boggling type of loss. We as mothers should never have to go through this type of pain.
Like all of us who love Tavin so very much and miss him deeply and daily! I also lost my Dear Mother to suicide. It has been two of the most gut-wrenching pain from guilt and regrets, I have ever had to face.
My eldest son Tavin (who took his own life on Sept.12th, 2010) About 3 months before that, asked me to look on the calendar and see what day Sept 12th fell on... When I told him it would be a Sunday and that it was also Grandparent's day; he simply replied: "oh ok, better yet; thank you."
So I asked him, "why are you asking, Son?" He just replied, "Oh, no reason really. I was just wondering." Very calm and with great confidence in his voice. Did I mention he was doing the dishes for me (w/o asking him to)? Once he had finished them up, he gave me a great big hug and kiss, and told me he loved me very much. And he was going to his room to record (work on recording and mixing his music); little did I know; he was recording his suicide songs (letters).
So I asked him, "why are you asking, Son?" He just replied, "Oh, no reason really. I was just wondering." Very calm and with great confidence in his voice. Did I mention he was doing the dishes for me (w/o asking him to)? Once he had finished them up, he gave me a great big hug and kiss, and told me he loved me very much. And he was going to his room to record (work on recording and mixing his music); little did I know; he was recording his suicide songs (letters).
There were other things said by him that I feel foolish now that those words, didn't register more Red Flags at the time.
And I'm not just bragging about his intelligence that he was blessed with (maybe I helped too) with a very high IQ and was born with more talent than anyone in our immediate family. He mentioned feeling uncomfortable because he felt like he was surrounded by simpletons and just couldn't get a grip on the real struggle of what we call "Mental Illness" or the Lack of Mental Wellness.
Here is a picture of one of my greatest achievements as well as, one of my greatest losses...
My eldest Son; Tavin W. M. Jarrard also know as numerous other aliases, but most famously known for Toby and/or Sir T!
There will be rumors and whispers, even this blog will bring about negativity and haters.
I am hoping that with the negative conversations, there will also be some positive sparks of conversation on the subject of suicide. And families will open up and talk about what is bothering them; before they nearly explode or the possibility of an implosion (suicide).
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
I lost more than just my eldest son; I lost a part of me that was a confident mother, I lost a part of my heart and soul which has affected everything I now say and do. Nearly every day, I seem to find yet another way to self destruct.
I am NOT rambling on for sympathy; but rather to possibly spare another Mother the heartbreak that comes from losing a child/young adult.
It doesn't help any one's life to take out an important equation of the family pie. Killing yourself is not an answer; it is just now someone else's (many others) problems and pain. Do you really want to put your Mother, Father, Brothers Sisters, and/or Friends through that type of pain? God could have it planned to take you tomorrow; I believe there is more dignity in dying by God's hand than by my own. I am very grateful that my attempts were unsuccessful.
My son struggled for years... you say why didn't I help him; I did, it was a constant worry and thought. He was so determined to be successful, he would hide many things from many people, to be sure he was not going to be stopped.
You need to fight the disease of depression...
not the person dealing with it.
I am NOT rambling on for sympathy; but rather to possibly spare another Mother the heartbreak that comes from losing a child/young adult.
It doesn't help any one's life to take out an important equation of the family pie. Killing yourself is not an answer; it is just now someone else's (many others) problems and pain. Do you really want to put your Mother, Father, Brothers Sisters, and/or Friends through that type of pain? God could have it planned to take you tomorrow; I believe there is more dignity in dying by God's hand than by my own. I am very grateful that my attempts were unsuccessful.
My son struggled for years... you say why didn't I help him; I did, it was a constant worry and thought. He was so determined to be successful, he would hide many things from many people, to be sure he was not going to be stopped.
You need to fight the disease of depression...
not the person dealing with it.
If you know someone that talks about suicide (or is taking actions of hurting themselves), then you must tell someone that loves them as well.
Sometimes I believe those of us who do suffer from mental illness such as depression; get the backlash of the stigmas! Unless you have felt the same way a person that has depression or suffers from some other mental disorders; you will have your opinions, but, are you part of the solution or are you part of the problem?
When you talk to someone that has such a frame of mind that just doesn't seem right, or they have straight up told you they were thinking of or planning their own demise, and you don't know how to help them:
EDUCATE Yourself;
Call the Hotline for them!
If you don't tell someone else, you stand a chance of losing that person. Maybe you don't believe them or they have asked you not to say anything, this should form an urgency for deeper probing into the subject.
It is serious and chances are they probably aren't lying to you. My guess is if they are talking about it, they either want help (to be saved) or they wouldn't be talking about it so much.
Fellow parents, watch for long sleeves in the summer (to cover the cutting), look out for sad writings and/or eerie drawings; listen to the music that may or not be your genre. Get to know your child inside and out! If you are unsure or they won't talk to you about anything other then school, find someone they will relate with!
You might end up being an unlikely hero to them. However, be careful not to constantly interrupt them with "your own opinion" on the subject; they will never find you really "open". I know as loving parents, we mean well with our advice, and we may think they aren't listening; but don't be fooled they are.
So, be careful what you have them hear!
Even if you are close and have talked about the subject of suicide, you are still in need of staying on your toes.
Don't ever get too confident that "My child would Never do that"!
Sometimes I believe those of us who do suffer from mental illness such as depression; get the backlash of the stigmas! Unless you have felt the same way a person that has depression or suffers from some other mental disorders; you will have your opinions, but, are you part of the solution or are you part of the problem?
When you talk to someone that has such a frame of mind that just doesn't seem right, or they have straight up told you they were thinking of or planning their own demise, and you don't know how to help them:
EDUCATE Yourself;
Call the Hotline for them!
If you don't tell someone else, you stand a chance of losing that person. Maybe you don't believe them or they have asked you not to say anything, this should form an urgency for deeper probing into the subject.
It is serious and chances are they probably aren't lying to you. My guess is if they are talking about it, they either want help (to be saved) or they wouldn't be talking about it so much.
Fellow parents, watch for long sleeves in the summer (to cover the cutting), look out for sad writings and/or eerie drawings; listen to the music that may or not be your genre. Get to know your child inside and out! If you are unsure or they won't talk to you about anything other then school, find someone they will relate with!
You might end up being an unlikely hero to them. However, be careful not to constantly interrupt them with "your own opinion" on the subject; they will never find you really "open". I know as loving parents, we mean well with our advice, and we may think they aren't listening; but don't be fooled they are.
So, be careful what you have them hear!
Even if you are close and have talked about the subject of suicide, you are still in need of staying on your toes.
Don't ever get too confident that "My child would Never do that"!
I hope that everyone makes a difference in their friend's lives. Even if it is a phone call to check in on them. To let them know you are thinking about them, perhaps send them a quick card or even an e-mail
Just knowing there is someone out there thinking about you and they take the time to let you know gives some reassurance that someone does in fact care.
Just knowing there is someone out there thinking about you and they take the time to let you know gives some reassurance that someone does in fact care.
You may not be able to ever stop a troubled soul that is determined to kill themselves; however, if you at least try... you will not have as many regrets; that will surely haunt you forever.
If it is more serious then you can handle (they are in serious turmoil); then it is time to call in the professionals.
I hope Tavin's friends; as well as, all of you reading this, have learned from this loss and the events that have flipped mine and everyone who knew my Tavin, worlds upside down and all around.
Much Love and Peace to all you who cared about our AWESOME Tavin; and to those of you who have absolutely no idea who I am, I wish you well also. And I hope you never have to endure this type of painful grief.
If it is more serious then you can handle (they are in serious turmoil); then it is time to call in the professionals.
I hope Tavin's friends; as well as, all of you reading this, have learned from this loss and the events that have flipped mine and everyone who knew my Tavin, worlds upside down and all around.
Much Love and Peace to all you who cared about our AWESOME Tavin; and to those of you who have absolutely no idea who I am, I wish you well also. And I hope you never have to endure this type of painful grief.
In my opinion, I feel It should be National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week Day; EVERY DAY! ...
Starting Now To Infinity...
I would like to encourage everyone that if you think someone is in need of a friend to talk to, I would encourage you to take ACTION!
Sometimes all that is required of you is to take the time to listen; as well as, understand them and what they are going through.
Just knowing someone cares enough to listen; can be just enough to get them through until they can seek counseling, and or see a professional.
If I have to endure this pain and grief; maybe to be proof to Mother's and Father's out there, that there is life after love and loss. Maybe this is my purpose. I feel that I have read stories of survival and thought, "oh my God How?" And then it happened to me...
My "How" had names; Coty and Sommer. They needed me now, more than ever. It wasn't overnight by any means, but with time I focused on them and their needs. Almost too much catering, however, I was lucky enough to nip it in the bud before they had a chance to make that behavior a habit.
If I have to endure this pain and grief; maybe to be proof to Mother's and Father's out there, that there is life after love and loss. Maybe this is my purpose. I feel that I have read stories of survival and thought, "oh my God How?" And then it happened to me...
My "How" had names; Coty and Sommer. They needed me now, more than ever. It wasn't overnight by any means, but with time I focused on them and their needs. Almost too much catering, however, I was lucky enough to nip it in the bud before they had a chance to make that behavior a habit.
There are numerous reputable sites full of awesome advice: On Signs Of A Suicidal Person:
HelpGuide.org
The National Institute Of Mental Health:
nimh.nih.gov/
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
save.org/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
May you be guided by light in your daily life.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Call 911
Call a suicide/prevention crisis hotline
(800-784-2433 or 800-273-8255)
◦ Assistance if you are deaf or hearing impaired? (800-799-4TTY)
◦ Para Obtener Asistencia en español, lame al (888-628-9454)
Veteran? Call 800-273-8255. Press “1” to reach the VA hotline
Go to a hospital emergency room!
God Bless, Peace and Passion in all that you do!
