Suicide: Watch for the Warning Signs
By David A. Johnson MD, Medical Director, Signature Care
Wednesday, July 18th, 2007; Posted: 10:45 a.m.
It seems every day the news is filled with stories of suicide. Every 16 minutes someone takes their own life. With suicide as the 3rd leading cause of death in Americans under age 25, that calculates to one suicide every two hours. Statistics do not even begin to tell the impact suicide has on family, friends, and the community.
To begin with, most suicide attempts are not a spur of the moment, "out of the blue" occurrence. Seventy percent of people who commit suicide tell someone about it in advance. Since the majority of these people are not engaged in psychiatric treatment or therapy, the folks they're telling are family and friends.
Almost all suicidal people are depressed, but it may not show itself as profound sadness. It may be expressed in the form of anxiety, mood swings, withdrawal, or a defeated attitude, among other things. A person who has been extremely depressed or anxious may suddenly become very calm and peaceful.
It is vitally important we be aware of people around us - family, friends, or co-workers who may be entertaining thoughts of self-harm. Do you know the signs?
Here's an easy way to remember the key warning signs of suicide:
"IS PATH WARM"
Ideation - Is the person talking or writing about wanting to die or kill themselves
Substance Abuse - Using alcohol or drugs (50% of suicide victims test positive for alcohol)
Purposelessness - feeling no reason to live or go on
Anxiety - agitated, sleeping all of the time or not sleeping at all
Trapped - feeling like there's no way out, helpless
Hopeless - not able recognize that things will improve
Withdrawal - disconnected from friends, family, and/or society
Anger - experiencing rage at self, and/or others
Recklessness - engaging in risky or dangerous behavior
Mood Changes - sad, mad, scared, worried, overly calm, etc.
If you find yourself in a situation where you're talking with someone who may be suicidal, the most important thing is to be willing to listen and talk to the person. Let them know that you care and understand. Be direct. Talk to the person about suicide and ask if they have a plan. It is a complete myth that discussing suicide will give a person the idea to do so. Avoid being judgmental. Don't lecture. Don't act shocked or outraged. Don't make a secrecy pact with the person. The most meaningful thing you can communicate to a person considering suicide is a sense of hope and of understanding.
While talking with someone who is suicidal, ask if they are willing to seek treatment. If they are, contact the person's physician or therapist, if they have one. If that's not available, taking them to the nearest emergency room is another great option. An evaluation will be arranged once they arrive. Since individuals are more likely to get help when accompanied by someone, offer to go with them.
If they are unwilling to seek help, take action! Remove weapons, drugs, or any instruments of potential self-harm from the person. Call an emergency room, mental health center, or crisis line to get a game plan. If all else fails, call 911. Remember, most suicidal people do want to live. You can be a difference maker, maybe the difference maker, for a person in crisis. May we never miss an opportunity to help another in need.
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