• Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself.

• Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearems, available pills, or other means.

• Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the orginary for the person.
  
  

Contact a Mental Health Professional if you witness, hear or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following:

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped - like there is no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
  
• Dramatic mood changes
• No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

A way to remember the warning signs: IS PATH WARM

                        I           Ideation
                       S          Substance Abuse

                        P         Purposelessness
                        A         Anxiety
                        T         Trapped
                        H         Hopelessness

                        W        Withdraw
                        A         Anger
                        R         Recklessness
                        M         Mood Changes

What can you do to be helpful to someone threatening suicide?

·        Get them Professional Help – agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention

·        Be Direct – talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide

·        Be willing to listen – allow them to express feelings and accept the feelings

·        Be Non Judgmental - Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong or if feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life

·        Get Involved – Become available, show interest and support

·        DON’T DARE them to do it

·        Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you

·        Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support

·        Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer swaying reassurance

·        Take Action – remove means, guns or stockpiled pills

BE AWARE OF FEELINGS

Many people at some time in their lives think about completing suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually realize the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:  

·        Can’t stop the pain

·        Can’t think clearly

·        Can’t make decisions

·        Can’t see any way out

·        Can’t sleep, eat, or work

·        Can’t get out of depression

·        Can’t make the sadness go away

·        Can’t see a future without pain

·        Can’t see themselves as worthwhile

·        Can’t get someone’s attention

·        Can’t seem to get control

These facts offered by the American Association of Suicidology

 

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