Suicide can be a sad and scary subject. It is the eleventh most common cause of death in the United States. People turn to suicide when they are feeling hopeless or when they feel like their pain exceeds their coping resources. It is often related to serious mental illness, such as depression, alcohol or substance abuse or a major stressful event.
Suicide attempts and threats should always be taken seriously. Attempts of suicide are much more common than completed suicides and often represent cries for help. Therapy and medicines can help most people who struggle with suicidal thoughts. Using these to treat mental illness and substance abuse can reduce the risk of suicide
Often times (although not always), some behaviors may be present before a suicide attempt.
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Giving away belongings, talking about going away or the need to get affairs in order
- Sudden change in behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
- Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs or cutting
- Sudden difficulty in school or work performance
- Talking about death or suicide, or stating the desire to harm themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty
- Unusual changes in sleep or eating habits
- Withdrawal from friends or an unwillingness to go out anywhere
