Suicide - Potential Warning Signs
I was always curious why some of our youth wear long-sleeve windbreaker jackets during the daytime within the tropical Eastern Caribbean region.
One day I lay my curiosity to rest when a young girl, wearing a windbreaker coat, accidentally exposed both wrists. It was a shocking revelation. Both the wrists had several scars, apparently inflicted by a sharp object. The long sleeves were a means of preventing curious eyes from seeing the scars. This observation is not an isolated one. Some youth deliberately cut themselves because they believe it would ease their emotional pain.
Suicide, which is “death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior”, is a very complex issue. All cases, therefore, do not carry the same dynamics. There are however, some consistent patterns that make up potential signs that may suggest individuals moving toward the brink of suicide. I thought of sharing some warning signs today.
Verbal Expressions
“I think I am a burden to my children;” “I feel like taking a long trip and not coming back;” “I feel trapped in this relationship;”, “I can’t go on anymore;” “I am going to kill myself;” “this may be the last time you may hear me.”
Always take words like the ones mentioned above seriously. They are potential warning signs of people who may think of committing suicide. The expressions may be a significant shift in the normal routine behavior of the individual thinking of going the route of suicide. These individuals should be under scrutiny.
Withdrawal
If you know of someone who was once very active but has suddenly withdrawn from you and others, this is a red-light signal. Reach out to that individual.
Personal Hygiene
If a close relative or friend shows signs of a major decrease in personal hygiene, like not wanting to shower, wearing the same clothes for a long time, not cleaning their teeth, pay attention.
Isolation
If an individual no longer wants to associate with work colleagues, family and friends, such behaviour is a cause for concern.
Abnormal Behavioural Patterns
If someone you know gives away possessions, obsessed with getting a weapon, suddenly wants to take a long trip or unusual risks, consumes unusual amounts of alcohol or drugs, or displays any behaviour which does not fit a normal behavioral pattern, there is a great possibility that suicidal ideation may circulate in his/her mind.
General Depression
I consider depression one of the major potential triggers for suicide. Although depression can take several forms, there are certain basic characteristics consistent with this emotional and psychological condition, which may show suicidal ideation. Some critical situations may give rise to a person developing symptoms of depression such as the sudden death of someone special, the suicide of a friend, divorce or separation or even an abuse. You should also note an individual constantly complaining of not getting enough sleep, eating too much or too little, expressing a feeling of hopelessness or helplessness or continually crying.
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy which provides services to the elderly to help with depression and suicide identified several potential warning signs of suicide among the elderly. Here are a few - Losing interest in things they previously enjoyed, lessening social interaction, giving away cherished things and stockpiling medication.
Relationship Issues
Unresolved relationship conflict, especially within households, generates an atmosphere for suicidal thoughts. When a boyfriend and girlfriend or husband and wife are unable or unwilling to resolve their long, drawn-out issues, this situation has the potential to become a breeding ground for suicidal ideation and even follow-through. When children live in such a socially contaminated home environment, and display symptoms of displaced anger, fear, anxiety and other emotional behaviours, it is easy for them to think of giving up on life.
In light of the high number of individuals losing their lives by suicide, it becomes necessary for every concerned citizen to be alert to these warning signs and take swift action when required. Let us be our “brother’s keeper”.
Next time I shall look at some possible proactive interventions.
One day I lay my curiosity to rest when a young girl, wearing a windbreaker coat, accidentally exposed both wrists. It was a shocking revelation. Both the wrists had several scars, apparently inflicted by a sharp object. The long sleeves were a means of preventing curious eyes from seeing the scars. This observation is not an isolated one. Some youth deliberately cut themselves because they believe it would ease their emotional pain.
Suicide, which is “death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior”, is a very complex issue. All cases, therefore, do not carry the same dynamics. There are however, some consistent patterns that make up potential signs that may suggest individuals moving toward the brink of suicide. I thought of sharing some warning signs today.
Verbal Expressions
“I think I am a burden to my children;” “I feel like taking a long trip and not coming back;” “I feel trapped in this relationship;”, “I can’t go on anymore;” “I am going to kill myself;” “this may be the last time you may hear me.”
Always take words like the ones mentioned above seriously. They are potential warning signs of people who may think of committing suicide. The expressions may be a significant shift in the normal routine behavior of the individual thinking of going the route of suicide. These individuals should be under scrutiny.
Withdrawal
If you know of someone who was once very active but has suddenly withdrawn from you and others, this is a red-light signal. Reach out to that individual.
Personal Hygiene
If a close relative or friend shows signs of a major decrease in personal hygiene, like not wanting to shower, wearing the same clothes for a long time, not cleaning their teeth, pay attention.
Isolation
If an individual no longer wants to associate with work colleagues, family and friends, such behaviour is a cause for concern.
Abnormal Behavioural Patterns
If someone you know gives away possessions, obsessed with getting a weapon, suddenly wants to take a long trip or unusual risks, consumes unusual amounts of alcohol or drugs, or displays any behaviour which does not fit a normal behavioral pattern, there is a great possibility that suicidal ideation may circulate in his/her mind.
General Depression
I consider depression one of the major potential triggers for suicide. Although depression can take several forms, there are certain basic characteristics consistent with this emotional and psychological condition, which may show suicidal ideation. Some critical situations may give rise to a person developing symptoms of depression such as the sudden death of someone special, the suicide of a friend, divorce or separation or even an abuse. You should also note an individual constantly complaining of not getting enough sleep, eating too much or too little, expressing a feeling of hopelessness or helplessness or continually crying.
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy which provides services to the elderly to help with depression and suicide identified several potential warning signs of suicide among the elderly. Here are a few - Losing interest in things they previously enjoyed, lessening social interaction, giving away cherished things and stockpiling medication.
Relationship Issues
Unresolved relationship conflict, especially within households, generates an atmosphere for suicidal thoughts. When a boyfriend and girlfriend or husband and wife are unable or unwilling to resolve their long, drawn-out issues, this situation has the potential to become a breeding ground for suicidal ideation and even follow-through. When children live in such a socially contaminated home environment, and display symptoms of displaced anger, fear, anxiety and other emotional behaviours, it is easy for them to think of giving up on life.
In light of the high number of individuals losing their lives by suicide, it becomes necessary for every concerned citizen to be alert to these warning signs and take swift action when required. Let us be our “brother’s keeper”.
Next time I shall look at some possible proactive interventions.