Recognize possible warning signs:

There are behavioral, physical and emotional signs.
Physical:

Neglect of personal appearance.

Sudden change in manner of dress, especially if the new style is out of character.

Chronic or unexplained illnesses, aches, and pains.

Sudden weight gain or loss.

Sudden change in appetite.

Emotional signs:

Sense of hopelessness, helplessness, or futility.

Inability to enjoy or appreciate friendships.

Wide mood changes or sudden outbursts.

Anxiousness, extreme tension, or agitation.

Lethargie or tiredness.

Changes of personality: from outgoing to withdrawn, from polite to rude

from compliant to rebellious, from well behaved to acting out,

Loss of ability to concentrate and daydreaming.

Deppression and sadness.

Loss of rational thoughts.

Feelings of guilt and failure.

Self-destructive thoughts.

Exagerrated fears of cancer, AIDS, or physical impairment.

Feelings of worthlessness or of being a burden.

Loss of enjoyment from activities formerly enjoyed.

Behavioral signs:

Decreased school activity;isolation.

Sudden drop in achievement and interest in school subjects.

Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, work, e.t.c.

Unexplained use of alcohol or other drugs.

Increased use of alcohol and other drugs.

Changes of eating and or sleeping habits.

Changes in friendships

Running away from home, "skipping school".

Withdrawal from family and former friends.

Sometimes acting in a manner so they turn away.

Risktaking behavior, like careless driving, "Russian Roulette" with firearms, climbing tall buildings,e.t.c.

Sexual promiscuity.

Sudden changes in personality.

Giving away prized possesions, like CD` collection, pictures, rings, chains, e.t.c.

Preoccupation with thoughts of death.

Threatening suicide e.g. why dont I just kill myself.

Making a will, writing stories and poetry or songs about death.

Putting affairs in order.

Hiding weapons, hoarding pills, e.t.c.

Describing methods of suicide.

Previous suicide attempts.

Check it out!

Ask others about behavior changes, that they have noticed.
Inquire about less noticable signs.

Reach out to the person!

Show you care.
Hear what they are saying.
Tell them what you have noticed.

ASK DIRECTLY ABOUT SUICIDAL INTENTIONS!

Show respect!

Be as understanding as possible.
Be honest and genuine.
Take the situation seriously.

Be actively involved!

Talk openly and freely.
Ask direct questions, like; how are you planning to do it.
Do you want open or closed coffin?
Do you want your family or children to see you?
What do you want them to know? e.t.c.

Determine Risk!

Ask about previous attempts and intentions.
Ask for details in suicide plan, e.g. how, when, why e.t.c.

Offer support!

Let them talk.
Focus specifically on doing something about suicide.
Offer realistic hope.
Identify other supports such as parents, friends, counsellors,family, crisis line.

Get help!

Urge the person to get help.
Be firm about your intentions to get help for them if they won`t.
Avoid secrecy pacts.
Don`t leave if risk of suicide is high.


It is not true that people who talk about suicide are not likely to attempt suicide.
In fact, many people who commit or attempt suicide always told someone, directly or indirectly.
You really need to be alert to pick up on those warning signs.
It is not safer to avoid talking about suicide with someone who is
contemplating it. But it is far better to talk or ask them direct.
Most people consider talking their life as a last resort, they can not
see a way out of their problems or depression.
Teenagers will consider suicide when they experience the loss of a
relationship. Lack of hope of a good future is another strong reason.
If a person is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs the risk is much higher.
Sometimes when the person you talk to all of a sudden seems really happy
be on guard, it is probably just masked happiness.
Most people who succeed in suicide have had one or more failed
attempts before. Never take any statements lightly, that sound like that:
" Why should I go on?"

"You don`t have to worry about me much longer".

"I should have been never born".

"Sometimes I just feel like killing myself".

"If I killed myself, people would be sorry!".

"I just can`t take it anymore".


A member of my family had attempted suicide several times,
each time the plan was different. Once or twice taking pills.
Cutting wrists was another one, hanging once, throwing herself
under a bus, a train. All attempts failed, I was really young and did
not understand why or even how I could help. When I got older I
learned real fast. I understood that it was a cry for help and
nobody was listening.

I on the other hand, have learned all there was about suicide
took every course offered, and tried to understand and help.

When we lose someone close, like a family member to suicide
we all ask ourselfs the questions: What could I have done to prevent
this. Why did I not notice the cry`s for help? If only I had....

The deceased leaves behind a whole network of family and
friends who must now learn to cope with the turmoil of losing a loved one.

You are not to blame! Suicide is an individual decision and it is
very common and natural to feel guilt and responsibility.

There is bereavement counselling, and support groups who can help
to go throught the stages of grieving.
They will help you understand the feeling of anger, confusion, and relief that are all
natural.



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