The Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide
September is National Suicide Awareness Month. This is a column continued from last week: The risk factors and warning signs for those contemplating suicide are many, but the following are the most frequently seen:
• Chronic, Unrelenting Stress
• Family Rejection, Abandonment • Social Isolation, Aloneness
• Chronic Medical Condition
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Perfectionism; High Self-Expectations
• LGBQT Youth and Gender Identity Struggles
• Family history of suicide, violence, substance abuse and/or mental health disorders
• Individual history of trauma or abuse: emotional, physical or sexual
• Exposure to the suicidal behavior of a family member or friend; or even via TV and social media
• Veterans Exposed to Combat or working behind the scenes in combat zones
• Teens: Access to medications, lethal weapons
• Talking about feeling hopeless
• Talking about being in pain
• Talking about being a burden
• Feeling guilty, ashamed, a failure
• Increasing the use of drugs or alcohol
• Sleeping or eating too little or too much
• Extreme mood swings
• Talking about seeking revenge
• Showing rage
• Sudden change from depressed to relief
• Giving away personal items of value
• Taking dangerous risks
• Bullying: There is a significant risk for increased anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors of youth who are bullied.
WHAT CANYOU DO?
#1 - Teachers, parents, relatives, neighbors, employers and friends needn’t fear that talking about depression or suicide could somehow encourage self-harming behavior.
The opposite it true. When we reach out to someone who is struggling and ask how they are doing; when we let someone know that we are concerned about them and they begin to talk to us, the pressure they are feeling is released and the suicidal thoughts begin to decrease. We must: Talk about it. Ask about it.
Express concern about! And get them to develop a contract for NO Self-Harm!
#2 - It’s imperative that, as a community, as a culture and as individuals, we must make it clear that when someone is suffering, others want to know about it! We must constantly be sending the message out:
• It’s OK to reach out for help!
• It’s OK not to be OK! Warning: Adults, parents should proactively check in with the young people in their lives to let them know they are available to listen Not because these young people look like they’re struggling, but because they look like they’re OK.
#3 - Educate and Make Aware
• There is still a stigma that we must fight to remove; individuals and families are not seeking help when it is obviously needed.
• Awareness and Education are at the foundation of removing the stigma. That is why The Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Valley is dedicated to leading the community in focusing on Suicide Prevention Month, as well funning other Awareness Campaigns.
• Schools, businesses, churches and the leadership in all communities should all work together to bring a focus to the tragedy of suicide. It is happening in our local communities together we can make a difference.
• In a crisis, call or text: