What to do if you feel suicidal

Background

Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one's own life. Views on suicide are culturally based and differ widely. Most Western and Asian religions including Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism consider suicide a dishonorable act. In many societies suicide is considered a crime and a sin against God because of the belief in the sanctity of life. Aside from those who commit suicide for political reasons it is generally believed that thoughts of suicide are a cry for help and require treatment of mental health problems such as depression or despair. Most people who say they are going to kill themselves do not. Most are trying to escape a bad situation but unless they are able to get the help they need suicide will often be the result. About eleven million people around the world die by suicide annually.

Facts about suicide from the Center for Disease Control

What to do first

If you, or someone you love, is feeling suicidal, call a suicide hotline now.
If you, or someone you love, is feeling suicidal also see this helpful information.
Suicidal individuals are feeling deep pain and see suicide as the only way out of that pain. Over 80% of those who commit suicide give out warning signs to friends and family. It is important to look for those warning signs and to provide intervention. Those who are suicidal cannot see options on their own. They need help.
What is common to all suicidal individuals is a sense of loss. This loss can be almost anything. It can be an even that has already taken place or it can be anticipatory. When a person feel incapable of handing a loss they begin to experience an emotional crisis -- a breakdown. They are overwhelmed by the emotions they are feeling and they are unable to work through their pain.
Someone feeling suicidal you may feel trapped and hopeless. They feel very alone and are not able to reach out for help. However, being with others is exactly what is needed to try and get their narrow focus off of themselves and onto others. A major change can lead to highly stressed emotions and even feelings of suicide. Have you or someone you love had a major life change occur recently? Here are some examples:
- A key relationship breaking up
- A family crisis such as a spouse who has cheated
- Unemployment
- Fear of facing discipline
- Trauma from a sexual assault
- Facing a terminal or other serious illness
A suicidal individual often has one or more of the following major emotional characteristics:

DEPRESSION: Nothing that was once enjoyed seems worthwhile any more

WORTHLESSNESS: A complete loss of self-esteem and a feeling that nothing that he does is right or worth anything

HOPELESSNESS: There is nothing work doing anymore

OVERWHELMED: The feeling that she has reached her limit and cannot handle anything else that life has to offer

Other outward signs that a problem is developing that may lead to suicidal thoughts include:

Increased use of drugs or alcohol
Decreased ability to perform well in school, at work, or at other activities
Failure to bathe, change clothing, or take care of personal hygiene
Self-destructive behaviors and acting out
Aggressive or violent behavior
Cutting oneself off completely from friends and family
Giving away valued possessions or making a will
Saying goodbye or talking about going away
Suicide attempt or self-harm recently or in the past. 80% of people who die by suicide have attempted or shown signs of self-harm before
Saying things such as 'Life isn't worth it...' or 'Things would be better if I was gone...'
Making jokes, poems, drawings or other references to suicide
Having a morbid fantasy or plan about death

If you or someone you love is feeling suicidal here are some actions you can take.

Reach out and talk to him. Try to find out what is the matter. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions. Find out if he is feeling suicidal.
Listen and do not be judgmental. Do not make jokes or make fun of anything that she reveals to you.
Offer help. Let the person know you care and want to help. Be there for them, but remember, it isn't your job to fix their life or solve their problems.
Try to encourage them to call a suicide crisis line. They are there to give support and information to people in distress.
Never leave a high risk person alone without making sure that they have help.

Check out the suicide lethality scale to match behaviors with risk for suicide.

Resources

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU NOW

Books of Interest

Help on the Web

Share your thoughts

Ask the author

Disclaimer-This website is for information and guidance purposes only and in no way takes the place of professional help to deal with the particular and serious situations listed in this website. This information should be used as an information tool only. If you or someone you know is in need of help please contact a professional in that field immediately. We do not personally endorse or recommend any of the resources, links, books, or other references listed in this website unless specifically stated. This information exists for the user to review and to judge independently the usefulness of the resources based on their own needs and judgments.