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- Talks about suicide or
death. While not all people who commit suicide
talk about it first, approximately 80% do. Note
that girls attempt suicide more often than boys,
but boys complete suicide more.
- Writes or creates
pictures depicting or describing suicide/death.
Children or adolescents are more likely than
adults to do this.
- A failed suicide attempt.
Most people have heard that a suicide attempt is
a call for help. Many people who do kill
themselves have previously made other
attempts.
- Suggestive comments. If
the individual starts saying things like, "I
won't have to worry about this much longer," or
"Things will be different soon," it may not
indicate optimism but intention to commit
suicide.
- Depression can lead to
impulsivity and risk-taking. Many "accidental"
deaths are probably caused by depression-related
impulsivity or recklessness.
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
Not only does depression increase the risk of
alcohol or substance abuse, but alcohol is
implicated in over half of all suicides.
- Putting things in order
and "tying up loose ends." In children, it may
take the form of cleaning their room (if it's
not their habit), catching up on all their
schoolwork, etc.
- Giving away treasured
objects. Someone planning suicide may give away
favorite possessions to their friends or loved
ones. Both adults and children may do this.
- Saying "I Love You" and
good-bye. Someone planning suicide may call or
see their friends or relatives one last time
before taking action.
- Planning the suicide.
Someone contemplating suicide may plan ahead.
The presence of guns increases the risk, but
recent statistics indicate an increasing trend
of suicide by hanging.
- Sudden lifting of mood or
even a euphoric state. Having decided to kill
themselves, the individual may suddenly feel at
peace or better.
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BEFORE YOU BREATHE THAT SIGH OF RELIEF.......
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As confusing as this may
initially seem, suicide is most likely to occur
when it seems that the threat has passed.
For some people, it may be
that they don't have the energy to kill themselves
until the depression has lifted a bit, so as they
start to come out of the depression, they may then
kill themselves. Other people may -- once they
start to come out of the depression -- look at what
the depression has done to their family or their
school career, and may become suicidal.
Return
to Mood
Disorders Menu
for more articles on depression
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DISCLAIMER
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The above is presented for
informational purposes only, and cannot substitute
for the opinion of a qualified professional who is
familiar with the individual.
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