by Angie Panos, Ph.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most difficult situations for a family member or a friend is when someone close to them expresses statements that suggest they are suicidal. It seems confusing that people, who survived a traumatic event, or a history of traumatic events, find themselves as their own worst enemy, feeling and thinking about dying. Often people who are depressed and thinking about suicide show several of these warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits\r\nWithdrawal from family or friends\r\nFantasies about running away or dying\r\nPersistent boredom and\/or difficulty concentrating\r\nDrug and\/or alcohol abuse\r\nUnexplained drop in their level of functioning\r\nUnusual neglect of appearance\r\nDrastic personality and mood change\r\nComplaints of physical problems\r\nA focus on themes of death\r\nGiving away prized possessions and making wills or burial plans\r\nTalking about suicide or making plans, even jokingly\r\nThreatening or attempting to kill themselves<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nSometimes before committing suicide, people will hint about or threaten to kill themselves. These threats should always be taken seriously. If they have had a previous episode of depression and a suicide attempt it is very concerning. Most people who commit suicide have made at least one previous attempt. When people are suicidal they feel helpless and trapped. Their normal coping skills and problem solving abilities may be impaired, preventing them from being able to think creatively of the many options they have. They may begin to feel that others will not understand. Usually suicide is devastating to the family and friends left to cope with the loss. However, the suicidal person deludes themselves into thinking that their support system won’t care or will be better off without them. The suicidal feelings may build to the point that the suffering individual thinks it is the only way out, which of course is not true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n