Suicide is a deeply complex and sensitive issue, and recognising the 5 warning signs of suicide can be challenging. Individuals contemplating suicide often hide their pain, making it vital for us to be vigilant and informed. While we cannot always predict when someone is in crisis, being aware of potential signs and maintaining open communication can save lives.
Suicide is a complex topic, and those who are contemplating suicide or who make attempts may do so for any number of reasons. It is important to remember that while we can do our best to keep an eye out for the warning signs, these things can happen unexpectedly.
Many people close to those who have fallen victim to suicide may feel that they didn’t “see the signs” or they had “no idea they were planning this”. Being familiar with the warning signs, keeping open communication with your loved ones, and seeking professional support can help to keep your loved ones safe. Below are listed 5 of the most prominent warning signs that someone may be considering taking their life.
If someone is having suicidal thoughts, often called ‘suicidal ideation’ by psychologists, they may openly or indirectly talk about suicide. They may express feelings of hopelessness, wanting to die, or having no reason to live.
Someone may make statements such as “I can’t go on” or “I wish I was dead”. They may even start to wonder aloud about what happens after death or what dying feels like.
Even ‘jokes’ about suicide or death can be warning signs that this topic is on their mind. While in isolation they may be considered a ‘dark sense of humour’, repeated comments or jokes may indicate a more consistent or intrusive thought pattern that could be dangerous.
Social withdrawal and a sudden disinterest in activities and relationships that were once important to the person can be a warning sign. They may start to decline invitations to spend time together, invent excuses to get out of important events, and stop regularly responding to texts or calls.
This isolation may be for multiple reasons, such as wanting to explore their urges alone, wanting to avoid burdening others with their emotional pains, or fearing the shame and stigma that is associated with suicide. Alternatively, depression, a common factor in suicidal thoughts, can lead to a loss of interest in activities and relationships. People may isolate themselves because they no longer find joy or meaning in the things they used to enjoy.
Keep an eye out for any significant changes in behaviour, mood or routine.This can include sudden aggression, agitation, recklessness, or giving away personal belongings.
As an example, individuals contemplating suicide may engage in behaviors such as excessive drug or alcohol use, dangerous driving, or taking unnecessary risks with their safety. They may feel that they have nothing to lose.
They may also stop engaging in appropriate self-care, such as a noticeable decline in personal hygiene and grooming, or significant changes in their sleep patterns. Symptoms of depression such as sleep disturbances, weight gain or loss, and loss of interest in things previously considered important would be included as drastic behavioural changes.
Suicide is often an act of desperation. People who have made attempts often describe a sense of feeling trapped in their circumstances, or believing that there is no way out of their problems.
They may say things like “I can’t see a way out of this” or “There’s no way things are going to change”. They may start to consider that death is the only way they can escape their lives and the pain they are experiencing.
If they feel that they are trapping others into certain circumstances they may also perceive death as a way of setting people ‘free’, or ‘unburdening’ them. They may make statements like “Everyone would be better off if I was dead” or “Noone would care really if I died”.
Some people may consider suicide, or long for death, without making any concrete plans to take their life. However, those who may take action are likely to prepare and plan well ahead of time for the day when they act upon those urges.
Planning will involve coming up with a plan for how exactly they will end their life, such as deciding on a method or location. They may even visit this location ahead of time, or plan routes on how to get there.
Preparation involves both acquiring the means of how they will end their life (tying a rope, buying a weapon, counting out their medication) as well as preparing for after their passing (writing a suicide note, preparing a will, changing ownership of cars or homes). These steps are critical signs that someone is preparing to die soon.
If you have noticed any of the above signs in your loved one, please reach out for professional help immediately.
In the complex landscape of suicide, awareness and intervention can make a profound difference. In the journey to understanding and addressing suicide, it’s important to begin with open communication and empathy.
If you notice these signs in someone you care about, remember that you can be a lifeline. While there are not only 5 warning signs of suicide, your vigilance and compassion can help to protect yourself, and to protect your loved ones.
