A person is at imminent risk when the following occurs:
- Putting affairs in order
- Behaving recklessly
- Changing moods dramatically
- Discussing suicide
- Talking about feeling worthless
- Losing interest in life
OTHER BASIC SIGNS
- Giving away possessions
- Previous suicide attempt
- Change in eating pattern, such as significant weight change
- Change in sleeping pattern, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Unwillingness or inability to communicate
- Depression
- Extreme or extended boredom
- Accident-prone (Carelessness)
- Unusual sadness, discouragement, and loneliness
- Talk of wanting to die
- Neglect of schoolwork, job responsibilities, and/ or personal appearance
- Family disruptions such as divorce, trauma, or losing a loved one
- Running away from home or truancy from school
- Confusion – inability to concentrate
- Chronic pain, panic, or anxiety
- Perfectionism
- Restlessness
An easy way to remember these warning signs is by remembering:
IS PATH WARM?
I Ideation (thinking about suicide) S Substance abuse P Purposelessness A Anxiety T Trapped H Hopelessness W Withdrawal A Anger R Recklessness M Mood changes[/wm_text_block][wm_text_block]Usually, there are four main protective factors:
- being attached to others, such as family, peer groups, and school or work,
- being committed to a person’s greater community such as organizations, community programs, and being a member of associations,
- being involved in activities such as your job, school, and extra-curricular events, and
- having a strong belief system that offers conventional morality and ways to foster respect for those around you.
If some of the above factors are present, a person is less likely to consider suicide as an option.
For immediate help, contact:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
To contact an African-American physician in your area:
National Medical association physician locator service 1 (800) 662-0554
For more information on support systems, click here.[/wm_text_block][/vc_column][/vc_row]