WARNING SIGNS There is no typical suicide victim. It happens to young
and old, rich and poor. Fortunately there are some common warning signs
which, when acted upon, can save lives. Here are some to look for:
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Neglect of personal appearance
Depressed, sad, angry, aggressive
Job or financial loss
Alcohol or drug abuse
Self-mutilation (i.e., cutting)
Isolation; withdrawing from family or friends
Loss of interest in activities/hobbies
Trouble with school or work
Perfectionism or overly self-critical
URGENT DANGER SIGNS
Hopelessness or helplessness
Talking, writing or hinting about suicide
Lethargy, apathy or sadness
Extreme changes in behavior
Puts one's affairs in order -- giving away possessions
Relationship breakup
Buys gun or weapon or stock piles drugs
Suddenly happier and calmer -- giving the impression that things have
improved
RISK FACTORS
These are things that increase the potential for a person's
suicide.
Previous suicide attempts
Major illness
Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Significant others who have completed suicide
Relationship breakup
Job or Financial loss, personal security
Untreated depression, hopelessness, helplessness
Isolation
Access to lethal means (i.e; guns, pills, etc)
Family disruption
Sexual, mental or physical abuse
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
Things that help a person through periods of
crisis.
Family or friends or community
Positive self-esteem
Sobriety
Sense of hope
Good health
Counselor or Therapist (depression screening)
Treatment availability
Calm environment
Pet(s)
Medication compliance
Responsibility for children
Duty to others
Job security
Difficult access to lethal means (i.e; gun, pills, etc)
