You Should Know About Suicide
You should call your doctor immediately if:
- You or your family notice sudden or severe changes in behavior including worsening of depression or thoughts of suicide that may occur
- Your loved one shows signs of suicidal behavior
It’s important to know that suicidal thoughts voiced by your loved one are symptoms of a treatable illness, linked to changes in body chemistry. Talk of suicide is not a sign of personal weakness or a character flaw, nor is it something that will just “go away” on its own. When your loved one is in a severe depression, he or she needs proper treatment — medication and therapy directed by a doctor.
People at risk for suicide may exhibit these behaviors:
- Previous suicide attempts — people who have made serious suicide attempts are at higher risk for actually taking their lives.
- Planning for suicide — people thinking about suicide may take steps to put their affairs in order, like paying off debts, giving away valued things or taking care of a will.
- Talking about suicide — the person may discuss suicide directly or indirectly, with statements like "you would be better off without me" or talk of going away or saying goodbye.
- Depression — when depression is at its most serious, people often consider and/or act upon suicide.
- Drug or alcohol abuse — as a depression worsens, a person with bipolar disorder may abuse drugs or alcohol. Drug or alcohol abuse can make depression worse, decrease the effectiveness of medication, spur impulsive behavior and impair good judgment.
- Beginning to feel better — a very depressed person may be likely to attempt suicide after passing an episode's low point. Researchers think this is because, as a depression lifts, a person's ability to make and carry out a suicide plan returns before the suicidal thoughts disappear
NOTE: To view or print PDF files, you must have Adobe® Reader®. Click here to download the free reader.
