Written by: Arin Lee
Edited by: Eastlyn Zhou
Living with depression can often be described as a constant struggle for autonomy over one’s own thoughts. When those thoughts start veering toward suicidal ideation, being able to notice both the clear and subtler warning signs can make the difference between life or death.
There are many easily distinguishable warning signs that are valuable for any person to know, and they can be categorized into three different areas of concern: talking about certain issues, feeling intense emotions, and changes in behavior. Topics of conversation such as wanting to die, great guilt or shame, or being a burden to others are heavy indicators that the person mentioning such topics might be dealing with some form of active suicidal thoughts (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). If they describe themselves as feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, extremely sad, anxious, agitated, full of rage, or as if they have no reason to live, then additional attention and concern should be drawn towards the person feeling such intense emotions (NIMH, 2022). It’s important to note, however, that many people aren’t comfortable with speaking openly about their thoughts or expressing their emotions freely. That’s why noticing changes in behavior such as: researching a plan/ways to die, withdrawing from friends and family, saying goodbye, giving away important things, making a will, partaking in dangerous activities (i.e. reckless driving), displaying extreme mood swings, eating more/less, sleeping more/less, and using drugs and/or alcohol more or less is extremely important in order to prevent someone from acting on potentially active suicidal thoughts (NIMH, 2022).
While some signs of suicidal behavior are easy to distinguish from normal behavior, others are much subtler or more contextually based. For example, if someone’s friend is known to be bright, sociable, and outgoing, they may start to withdraw from situations that would typically excite them or they may even begin to exhibit angry behavior (Ellis, 2019). The opposite also applies: a person that was once struggling with bouts of depression may suddenly appear calm or seemingly at peace (Ellis, 2019). A subtle sign that might require some investigation once discovered is if someone begins gathering lethal means, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills (Ellis, 2019). Another common yet frequently overlooked sign is when someone gives up on their hygiene, omits positive habits, and overall seems to not care for their own health or safety (“How to spot”, 2019). These signs are crucial in recognizing someone’s suicidal behavior, especially when these mannerisms are ignored due to being commonly attributed to “laziness”.
Unusual behaviors and subtle signs typically emerge as a result of an individual possessing several risk factors prior to actually experiencing any form of suicidal ideation. Several risk factors have been identified, and include living with a substance use disorder, living with another mental illness, living with chronic illness, suffering from a traumatic brain injury, experiencing adverse childhood experiences, experiencing trouble with relationships or external environment, having record of past attempts, and being exposed to another person’s suicide (Ellis, 2019). While these risk factors do not guarantee the onset of suicidal behaviors/thoughts, possessing one or more of these traits poses a substantial threat to someone’s mental wellbeing.
If there is anyone seemingly experiencing or exhibiting any of the aforementioned behaviors/signs, it’s crucial to confront the person about the signs that they are exhibiting. If the signs they display make them appear as if they are actively contemplating an attempt, make sure to dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact local authorities to conduct a wellness check if not physically present with the person at risk. Small positive behaviors such as reaching out and asking how someone is/feels, creating a warm, positive environment wherever possible, and considering the feelings of others when speaking/acting can be pivotal in how the course of someone’s life may play out. By noticing both the clearer and subtler signs of suicidal behaviors and active suicidal thoughts, lives can potentially be saved.
References:
Ellis, M. E. (2019, September 10). 5 warning signs of suicidal behavior that are easy to miss. Bridges to Recovery. https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/5-warning-signs-of-suicidal-behavior-that-are-easy-to-miss/
How to spot these subtle warning signs of suicide. Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center. (2019). https://southernhillshospital.com/about/newsroom/how-to-spot-these-subtle-warning-signs-of-suicide
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Warning signs of suicide. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide
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