Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, taking the lives of around 47,000 Americans every year. Suicidal behavior refers to the actions or behaviors that those who take their own lives tend to display days, weeks, or even months before committing suicide.
Since having suicidal thoughts is not a mental illness, with the right treatment at the right time, a person who’s having suicidal thoughts can be saved. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for in your community and your family that someone could be headed towards taking their own life by committing suicide.
Social Withdrawal
One of the first tell-tale signs of a person who is suicidal is social withdrawal. This means showing less interest in being around friends or family and avoiding social gatherings. It also includes having a loss of interest in the activities that one enjoyed doing previously. If you find that a friend or family member is not taking part in social gatherings as they used to, it is best to reach out and ask them if they’re okay. While social withdrawal is a sign of depression that people normally can recover from and get back to normal, it can escalate to something more serious such as suicidal thoughts.
Changes in Personality
Another major sign that something isn’t right with a person is a significant change in their personality. The individual may become either quiet and withdrawn or become violent or easily agitated. It is also normal for people who are having suicidal thoughts to stop caring about their physical appearance. Any of these signs should be seen as the first red flags that something is bothering a person and that they might need help.
Going Through Recent Trauma
One of the most common triggers of suicidal thoughts is recent trauma. This is why it is so important to reach out to family members or friends who have lost a loved one, gone through a severe illness, or experienced some other form of trauma or life crisis that might push them over the edge. Even a serious financial problem can be enough to make a person experience suicidal thoughts.
Bullying in School
When it comes to youngsters, as in school or college going children, it is important for parents to get familiar with the signs of bullying in school, which unfortunately is one of the leading causes of suicide in young adults. Signs of bullying include, but aren’t limited to, getting into frequent fights in school, a lack of interest in school, and a drop in grades.
But more importantly, parents and siblings should always make sure that the doors to two-way communication are open and that the youngster can share their problems without being scrutinized or judged.