Signs of a ‘Suicide Crisis’

Posted by Cort Johnson

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6167-depression-_1_.jpgA Suicide Crisis is usually a time-limited event which a person can be rescued from if they get appropriate care. The signs that someone may be in a Suicide Crisis are:

  • Precipitating Event A recent event that is particularly distressing such as loss of loved one or career failure. Sometimes the individuals own behavior precipitates the event: for example, a man’s abusive behavior while drinking causes his wife to leave him.
  • Intense Emotional State– Desperation (anguish plus urgency regarding need for relief), rage, psychic pain or inner tension, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, acute sense of abandonment.
  • Speech suggesting the individual is close to suicide. Such speech may be indirect. Be alert to such statements as, “My family would be better off without me.” Sometimes those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away.
  • Actions ranging from buying a gun to suddenly putting one’s affairs in order.
  • Deterioration in functioning at work or socially, increasing use of alcohol, other self-destructive behavior, loss of control, rage explosions.

Other Warning Signs can include

  • Threatening to hurt or kill oneselfor talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
  • Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
  • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking
  • Feeling trapped– like there’s no way ou
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
  • Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the timeExperiencing dramatic mood changes
  • Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
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