Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Depression and thoughts of suicide can impact a person's life in many different ways. Not everyone experiences depression and suicidal tendencies in the same way. Some people may have behavioral changes, while others experience physical changes. It is estimated that 70-80% of those who attempt suicide give some
indication or sign of their intent.

Depression and suicide have many common warning signs including:

- Sadness or anxiety, especially depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks
- Feelings of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness
- Trouble eating or sleeping
- Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school and things formerly enjoyed
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Feelings of anger, resentment, alienation, and isolation

Specific signs of potential suicide include:

- Talking openly about committing suicide or wanting to die
- Talking indirectly about "wanting out" or "ending it all"
- A detailed suicide plan
- Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
- Giving away personal possessions
- Depression
- An increase in alcohol or drug use
- A previous suicide attempt

Depression alone or in combination with aggressive behavior, substance abuse and/or anxiety is found in over half of all suicide. If depression is present, substance abuse, anxiety, impulsivity, rage, hopelessness and depression may increase the risks of suicide.

Suicide can be also be triggered by a number of things including:

- Stressful events, such as a failed exam or failure to get a job
- Crises in significant social or family relationships
- Interpersonal losses
- Changes in body chemistry
- High levels of anger or anxiety

How to help a friend

If you notice any of the above warning signs in a friend or loved one, you have reason to be concerned. There are ways that you can be helpful to someone who is thinking of taking their own life.

- Be honest and express your concerns. For example, "You seemed really down lately; is something bothering you?"
- Ask directly about thoughts of suicide. For example, "Have you thought of hurting yourself?"
- Listen attentively and offer emotional support, understanding and patience. Try to understand the difficulties the person is experiencing but do not enter into the despair. It may help to remind the person that their problems do have solutions and how much they would be missed by those who love them.
- Convey the message that depression and suicidal feelings are real, common and treatable.
- Offer to accompany your friend to see a counselor.
- If the person does express suicidal thoughts, seek help. Support can come from a variety of places such as a friend or loved one who is able to stay with the person until suicidal thoughts pass, a crisis phone line (Hillsborough Hotline 234-1234), the Counseling Center for Human Development (974-2831 during normal business hours), or the University Police (911).

Resources

National Mental Health Association
1-800-989-6642
Web site : http://www.nmha.org/

National institute of Mental Health
1-800-421-4211
Web site : http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
1-888-333-2377
Web site : http://www.afsp.org/

American Association for Suicidology
202-237-2280
Web site : http://www.suicidology.org/