Suicide: Warning signs

Last update: March 28, 2008 - 4:30 PM

WARNING SIGNS

Studies show that about 80 percent of people who attempt or complete suicide will either hint at it or directly tell a friend or relative about their plans. Here are signs to help you help them.

• Talking about suicide. Experts say that it is not true that asking a person if he or she is considering suicide will plant the idea. In fact, asking people about suicidal thoughts or plans can save lives by opening the door for a desperate person who wants support to live.

• Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless.

• Preoccupation with death.

• Suddenly happier, calmer. This may signal that the person has made the decision to commit suicide.

• Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about.

• Making arrangements, setting affairs in order.

• Giving away precious possessions.

• Acquiring guns or stockpiling pills.

• Previous suicide attempts.

Sources: Minnesota Department of Health and Suicide Awareness . Voices of Education.

RESOURCES

• www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.) Also: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Connection, 612-379-6363.

• www.save.org (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) Also: 952-946-7998

• www.health.state.mn.us/mentalhealth (Minnesota Department of Health. )

www.afsp.org (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

• www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00103_D

• www.iasp.info (International Association for Suicide Prevention)

• www.sprc.org (Suicide Prevention Resource Center)

• www.suicidology.org (American Association of Suicidology)

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