Help with Suicide Prevention
September hosts a National Suicide Prevention Week, and we would like to share some information about possible suicide warning signs. Suicide statistics in the U.S. are staggering. In 2010, more people died by suicide than by motor vehicle crashes, according to a 2013 CDC report.
Depression is extremely common in the U.S., so it can be difficult to determine whether a clinically depressed person might also be suicidal. For suicide victims, their loved ones, and the medical professionals who treat them, suicide poses severe emotional and psychological challenges.
The warning signs of suicide often vary depending on the person, and they can manifest themselves in vastly different ways. With the right depression counseling services, it is possible to overcome thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Call 561.414.2607 for therapists in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Five Common Warning Signs of Suicide
The following are five of the most common warning signs indicating possible suicide.
1. Self-Injury or Self-Harm
Self-injury includes self-inflicted cutting, scratching, burning, strangulation, or any other self-harm. Not everyone who engages in this type of behavior intends to commit suicide. Self-harm is often an indication of depression or some other psychological issue that can lead to suicide. The difference between self-injury and suicide is that people use self-injury to cope; people use suicide to end their life.
2. Hopelessness
Many people experience feelings of despair at some point in their lives, but when hopelessness becomes pervasive and all-encompassing, this can put people at risk of suicidal behavior. If you feel like you will never be able to cope with an event, situation, or state of mind, depression counseling at Remedy Therapy can help many people cope with depression in sustainable, life-affirming ways.
A person with no hope for the future may look at suicide as a way out. If you have suffered from hopelessness, there is no reason to suffer alone. A Palm Beach Gardens therapist may be able to help you.
3. Social Withdrawal
During quarantine, most people have become socially withdrawn, but if someone stops communicating with everyone they know, they could be suffering in silence. A person who begins avoiding family and friends may be suffering from suicidal thoughts. Losing interest in social activities that used to spark joy may be an indication that someone is suffering from depression.
There is a big difference between needing some alone time and withdrawing completely. It is always a good idea to check on someone who seems like they might be showing the warning signs of suicide.
4. Personality and Behavior Changes
Certain symptoms like weight gain, loss of motivation, and pervasive apathy can indicate potential suicide risk. Depression counseling can make a tremendous difference for a person with suicidal behaviors and ideations.
5. A Dangerous Increase in Drug or Alcohol Use
We know that people with substance abuse disorder have higher rates of suicide than the general population. People who are addicted to dangerous substances often have other risk factors that put people at risk of suicide, including depression, hopelessness, and impulsivity. Chemically dependent people are more likely to have social, financial, and self-esteem issues.
If someone you know is living a life dominated by alcohol and drugs, this puts them at a greater risk of suicide.
What Other Signs Might Indicate Suicidal Thoughts?
In addition to the signs discussed, talking, feeling, and acting in certain ways has been shown to put people at risk of suicide.
For example, talking about the following:
- Wanting to die
- Feeling like a constant burden
- Tremendous guilt or shame
Feelings include:
- Hopeless, empty, trapped
- Having no reason to live
- Immensely sad, anxious, agitated, or angry
- Unbearable physical or emotional pain
Behavioral changes include:
- Researching suicide
- Making a suicide plan
- Extreme changes in behavior
- Taking risks
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Drug or alcohol binges
Suicide Counseling
If you or a loved one is showing warning signs of suicide, please reach out to Remedy Therapy, the best mental healthcare center in Palm Beach. We also offer telehealth counseling in addition to the following programs:
- Adolescent counseling
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder treatment
- Acute stress disorder treatment
- Psychotherapy
- Medication therapy management
Our dedicated staff has experience with all kinds of mental health issues, and we look forward to helping you move on to better things. Please contact us today at 561.414.2607 to learn more about suicide prevention.
