Some Signs of Suicide and How to Stop Them
By Brandi Goodman
Suicide Prevention Month falls to September. There's a good reason why this prevention month has to be utilized. Suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. Though there isn't always a sign for everyone that you can notice, there are many potential signs of suicide that you can learn to spot and find ways to help both yourself or others.
Feelings of Hopelessness
When you start to feel hopeless and like you have nothing good to look forward to in life, the thoughts of leaving this world can set in. If you start to have these thoughts, or someone in your life expresses them, it's time to speak with a counselor or refer them to one. Being able to share your feelings with a professional who can help you is best.
Another coping method is trying to find just one small, good thing that comes out of the day. Not everything is hopeless at all times. When you take a delicious sip of your morning coffee, write that down. When the sun looks beautiful rising in the sky, write that down. These little moments can add up to a lot and help turn your mood around.
Extreme Mood Swings
Mood swings aren't always a sign of something bad to come. They can, however, be an indication of a mental health problem. When you're feeling high on life and happy one minute and incredibly angry and agitated the next, it's important to seek help.
Increasing Use of Alcohol and Substances
Alcohol and substances may help you mask your pain for a while, but they won't take it away. In many cases, alcohol can actually exacerbate the problem. If you're feeling low and having a hard time, drinking can heighten your thoughts and make you feel worse. If you notice you're drinking more or relying on other crutches to get you through, it's best to get help. Water and healthy foods should be what you turn to instead to help you feel better.
Suicide prevention isn't always possible. Some people make the choice to leave and there's nothing you can do to stop it. In many cases, however, there are signs to start spotting far before this final point has been reached. Learning about them now can help save a life in the future.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. You can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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