September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is such a difficult topic to discuss, which is why many people don’t talk about it. Unfortunately when we don’t know what to say, we tend to not say anything at all. While this is understandable, it rarely helps anything.
There are many warning signs that may indicate that you or someone that you love is having thoughts of suicide. These signs can range from feelings to behaviors. The National Institute of Mental Health (HIMH) identifies these warning signs as follows;
- Talking about wanting to die
- Expressing excessive guilt or shame
- Feeling as if you are a burden and openly discussing this
- Feeling empty and/or hopeless
- Not feeling that there is any reason to live
- Extreme sadness
- Increased anxiety
- Feelings of rage
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Making a plan or researching ways to die
- Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
- Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping more or less
- Using drugs or alcohol more often
If you are experiencing any of the above or know someone who is, it is time to seek help. There are many effective interventions to decrease and eliminate thoughts of suicide but immediate attention is often what is best.
Many wait until things become completely intolerable or they begin to create plans to end their lives before they seek help. Many don’t ever get the help that they need and act on the plans that they make during a very dark time.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Unfortunately, when people are at this point they often believe that everyone would be better off without them. Immediate intervention can help to address symptoms of depression so that other solutions can be made available.
It is never too soon to intervene and get help. Even passing thoughts deserve attention.
Thoughts of suicide can begin with more of an escape fantasy type of thinking. Not necessarily wanting to die or end one’s life, many fantasize about what it might be like to simply not wake up or to fade away. You may not consider this type of thinking to be suicidal in nature, however, thoughts of death are likely to lead to more. At the very least they are an indicator of depression and deserve attention.
Depression is treatable. Even if you or someone you love is at the point of considering ending their life, recovery is possible. Counseling can be an effective way to treat symptoms of depression and begin to build a life worth living.
You aren’t alone. Speaking out about suicide is hard, keeping quiet about suicide is hard. Choose your hard, my fellow humans. And don’t forget, therapy can help.
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