Clues To Potential Suicide
Verbal Signs include:
Key phrases such as, “It's all over for me,” “I'm at the end of my rope,” “I'm going to kill myself,” “I won't last much longer,” “I've done all I know to do,” “If I'm not here, then...”
Veiled threats such as “That's the last 'F' I'll ever receive.” “My parents won't have to shell out anymore money on me after next week.”
Behavioral Clues include:
- Prolonged depression.
- Marked changes in behavior or personality.
- Previous attempts at suicide.
- Leaving suicide notes.
- Setting one's affairs in order (i.e., saying goodbye, making a will, giving away possessions).
- Euphoria or marked improvement in feelings--may mean that the decision for suicide has been made.
- Disorientation (i.e., fictitious persons, voices heard).
Situational Clues include:
- Family problems.
- Financial difficulties.
- End of a marriage or close relationship.
- Loss of a loved one.
- Medical concerns.
- Loss of a job.
- Moving recently.
- Specific times of the academic year.
The most significant clues are:
- Verbal suicide threats.
- Prior suicide attempts
- Prolonged depression.
- Marked changes in behavior or personality.
- Making final arrangements.
What to do if you think someone is suicidal:
- Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
- Be honest and express your concerns.
- Be direct. Talk openly about suicide.
- Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.
- Be willing to listen. Allow for expressions of feelings.
- Be non-judgmental.
- Don't ask why.
- Offer empathy, not sympathy.
- Don't act shocked. This creates distance.
Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support
Offer hope that alternatives are available.
Remove the means to commit suicide.
Get help.
Counseling and Psychological Services, Stewart Hall 103, 308-3171
Health Services, Hill Case 308-3193
Public Safety, (Corner of 4th Ave. S and S. 6th Street) 308-3333
St. Cloud Police, 251-1200
Call 911 for emergencies
A Quick Look at Symptoms of depression:
- Changes in mood
- Physical changes – change in sleep, weight, appetite, energy level
- Changes in behavior – withdrawing from social interaction, excessive worry, abandoning exercise
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Sleep disturbance
- Changes in appetite
- Decreased energy, fatigue
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Mania
- Inappropriate elation or euphoria
- Inappropriate irritability
- Severe insomnia
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking
- Disconnected and racing thoughts
- Increased sexual desire
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgment
- Inappropriate social behavior
