At some point in our lives, everyone is touched by the suicide of someone we know, maybe even the suicide of someone we love. Although many people are understandably uncomfortable with the subject, learning about suicidal thoughts and gestures may very well help you stop someone from dying by his or her own hand.
It’s important to recognize that not everyone who has thoughts of suicide has real intent to commit suicide, but how can you determine whether someone possesses actual intent? Of course all threats should be taken seriously, but pay particular attention to these risk factors which, statistically speaking, indicate a “successful” or completed suicide is all the more likely:
- Previous attempts of suicide
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Family history of mental illness and suicide
- Access to firearms
- Talk of a well-defined suicide plan
For teenagers, research indicates that girls are more likely to discuss and even attempt suicide, but boys are much more likely to carry through with suicide. People who consider killing themselves have at least one thing in common: severe emotional distress resulting in a profound loss of hope. If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide please know there are many people who want to help....and where there’s help, there’s hope.
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