Gift From Within - PTSD Resources for Survivors and Caregivers
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Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits Withdrawal from family or friends Fantasies about running away or dying Persistent boredom and/or difficulty concentrating Drug and/or alcohol abuse Unexplained drop in their level of functioning Unusual neglect of appearance Drastic personality and mood change Complaints of physical problems A focus on themes of death Giving away prized possessions and making wills or burial plans Talking about suicide or making plans, even jokingly Threatening or attempting to kill themselves |
Sometimes 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.
If the friend or family member is planning to or has tried to attempt suicide they should immediately be taken to a hospital emergency room for an evaluation. Family should be advised to remove from the home any lethal, accessible means to commit suicide, such as medications, firearms, razors, knives, etc.
Your suffering friend or family member needs to feel that there is hope. They need to feel that people will listen, that things will get better, and that she or he can overcome their problems. So be honest, if you're worried about them, say so. You will not spark thoughts of suicide just by asking about it.
With professional treatment and support from family, friends, and coworkers, people who are suicidal can become healthy again.
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Suicide Assessment and Intervention by Douglas Jacobs (Editor)
Angie Panos, Ph.D. is a therapist that specializes in trauma and grief, she has 20 years of experience in helping survivors. She is a board member of Gift From Within.
PDF [26KB]
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