Depression-Help-Center.com

Where to get Help if you're Feeling Suicidal.

Facts

MOST people think about suicide at some point in their life, however, these feelings and thoughts are temporary and things eventually do improve.

Eight out of ten persons who kill themselves have given definite warning of their intentions. Usually the suicidal person gives a number of clues and warnings regarding their suicidal intentions. Most suicidal people are undecided about living or dying, and they are "hoping" others will save them. Fortunately, individuals who are thinking of suicide are "suicidal" only for a limited period of time.

Suicide is represented proportionately among all levels of society, including race, income, and education. It does not run in families. Most suicides occur about three months following the beginning of some type of "improvement."

Suicidal people are usually extremely unhappy, but they are not necessarily mentally ill. Suicide has been defined as a situation where the pain exceeds the ability to cope with the pain..

Those with a history of a previous suicide attempts are more likely to commit suicide.

Depression is the most common precursor of suicide.

Suicide Signs

People thinking of suicide will give signs or signals of their intent. One sign alone does not mean that a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts. However, several signs within short time periods may mean that the person is seeking help. The most common signs or signals that indicate suicidal thoughts are:

• Verbal suicide threats
• Previous suicide attempts
• Personality and Mood changes (withdrawal, aggression or moodiness)
• Depression (changes in mood, excessive sadness, trouble sleeping, problems at school or work, change in weight or appetite)
• Final arrangements (making a will, giving prized possessions away)

Prevention Tips

What can you do ?

Recognize the clues and warnings - look for symptons of depression and signs of helplessness and lost hope - are they more withdrawn and isolated? Did they make suicide threats?

Trust your gut, your own judgement - If you believe someone is suicidal then act on your beliefs.

Get Help from others - contact others who are close to the suicidal individual and discuss the situation. Friends, realtives, parents, teachers, coworkers, or health care professionals can be very helpful in a suicidal crisis.

Stay with a suicidal person - stay with a suicidal person if you think there is an immediate danger. Do not leave until help arrives or the crisis passes.

Be supportive and listen - listen, listen, listen and sympathize. Talking is good therapy so encourage a suicidal person to talk. Demonstrate concern for him or her and show that you care. Build their self-worth.

Get professional help - tell the suicidal person that it is imperative to seek help from qualified health care professionals. They need professional help to change for the better.

Sources of Help

If you're thinking about suicide... read this first.
Words of advice from someone who's been there.

What to Expect if You Call a Suicide Hotline
Who will be taking your call and what motivates them to want to help.

Befrienders International - Clear, straightforward site with self tests on suicide myths, signs of suicide and a list of help lines in over 40 countries.

American Association of Suicidology - National telephone helpline staffed by trained counselors. 1-800-SUICIDE

NAMI - National US helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday-Friday, Eastern time. They offer support: from trained volunteers - consumers and family members - who know what it's like and who've "been there".

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Locate support groups for friends and families of suicide victims.

National Suicide Prevention Directory
Contact information for suicide prevention agencies. Listed by state.

Suicide Awareness\Voices of Education
Includes an FAQ, general information on suicide, some common statistics, symptoms of depression, a book list and much more. Excellent suicide prevention resources.

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (SPAN)
Suicide prevention and awareness organization homepage.

The Yellow Ribbon Program
A program aimed at suicide prevention and awareness.

Centre for Suicide Prevention
Information, Training in Prevention Programs, Research

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