Preventing Suicide

In the last two days I have read two blog posts from folks with loved ones who committed suicide recently. To those people who are grieving I give my love and prayers. I have also seen a lot of suicide attempts this month and so I thought it might be a good time to give some resources on suicide prevention....

Warning Signs of Suicide

* Ideation (thinking about suicide)
* Substance use or abuse (increased or change in substance)
* Purposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
* Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
* Hopelessness or Helplessness(there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
* Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
* Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
* Mood disturbance (dramatic change in mood)
* Talking about suicide.
* Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
* Preoccupation with death.
* Suddenly happier, calmer.
* Loss of interest in things one cares about.
* Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
* Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
(this was adapted from save.org for more information click here)