Suicide Risk Indicators
Economic and social pressures are at the root of many suicides. For instance, a person living alone without much social interaction is more at risk because of the intense loneliness felt by many in that situation. Suicide rates increase during high unemployment and mass lay-offs. Generally speaking, the rate of suicide increases as the economy suffers through depression, recession and lack of sustainable employment.
It is important to remember that many people turn to suicide because they feel there are no other choices left for them. Their problems seem so overwhelming, so insurmountable that there is nothing left for them except suicide. These people feel helpless and empty, devoid of any hope. Severe depression is often a major factor in suicides; ironically some people who do receive treatment become well enough only to act out their suicidal thoughts.
There are many indicators of suicidal risk; often times it can be difficult for those closest to the individual to see the signs. This list will help family and friends identify those factors that may contribute to a suicide attempt of a loved one.
- A recent loss such as the death of a loved one may trigger suicide;
- An existing mental illness such as severe depression or schizophrenia;
- A family history of suicide can contribute to suicidal behavior and depression;
- Alcoholism and drug addictions in someone with depression are significant risk factors;
- Serious physical illness can also result in depression when there is chronic and severe pain, a loss of mobility or disfigurement;
- Some people will stop doing their normal daily activities and shun personal contact with others;
- A definite and sudden change in someone’s personality and mannerisms;
- Depression combined with displays of deep rooted anger and aggression may lead to suicidal thoughts.
People with who consider suicide often give away other clues: an expression of a future with no hope; giving away possessions they once held as dear; and specific statements about wanting to commit suicide. Conventional wisdom used to be that when a person talked openly about suicide chances were they would not carry out the act. But we know today that is not at all true. If someone you know is talking about suicide and/or displays the risk factors mentioned above, there is a real danger of commission of the act.
As difficult as it may be, if you suspect that someone you know is at risk for suicide, talk to them about it. Just bringing it out into the open may cause the individual to re-think his or her intentions. But when a person talks about wanting to kill themselves, take it seriously. Most people who successfully commit suicide often display overt warning signs.
Community support services are often available in many cities and towns including suicide prevention centers and telephone help lines. If the danger of suicide seems imminate try and get the person to a hospital emergency room where immediate crises management under medical care can begin. Over the long term, a person who has come so close to actually committing suicide will probably need drug intervention and a comprehensive, lengthy period of psychotherapy. The hope is that such action can get at the heart of the causes of the depression and the circumstances that brought the patient to consider suicide as the only option.
