Lebanon County Suicide Prevention

Danger Signs of Suicide

Hopelessness
"There's now way that I can make things better"

Feeling Trapped
"I feel like there's no way out"

Withdrawal from family / friends

Anxiety, agitation, sleep problems (too much or too little)

Dramatic mood changes

No reason for living
"Life isn't worth living"

Reckless, risk-taking behavior

Warning Signs of Suicide

Threatening to hurt or kill self

Looking for ways to kill self

These are the most specific warning signs but there are others. Among them are:

Citing a doable plan specifying how and when

Giving away valued posessions (e.g.. pets, CDs, books, tools, money, etc..)

Making unexpected visits or calls to family members or friends

Settling up affairs, making a will, dictating funeral arrangements

Here are some "Do's" and "Dont's" that apply to anyone who might be suicidal

Do not leave him/her alone or let him/her go off alone.

Do not be judgemental.

Do not argue, debate, analyze or moralize.

Do not try to cheer him/her up.

Do not try to shock or challenge (e.g, saying "Oh go ahead and do it if you want to!")

Do not accept "I'm okay now." (Nobody recovers immediately from suicidality.)


DO's

Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.

If yes, see that s/he is evaluated for suicidal intent.

Take the intent or threat very seriously.

L-I-S-T-E-N!!!

Show that you care and say it.

If there is no apparent immediate danger (and lethal means in view):

Tell her/him that help is available and you can see that he/she gets it.

Let her/him have some space.

Try to get her/him to an area that's safe, in case there are hidden means.

Remove car keys, if possible.

If there is apparent immediate danger ACT:

Say that you are taking him/her to get help.

See that the person receives a psychiatric evaluation.