One of the hardest diseases to battle is Depression, and it's important to know the signs before throwing around the phrase "Suicidal."
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a comprehensive list of Prevention and Warning Signs for Suicide, including the following traits:
- Feeling like they are a burden to others
- Feeling trapped in their position
- Experiencing unbearable emotional pain
- Sharing that they have no reason to live
- Considering suicide as an option
They also share specific behaviors such as increased use of alcohol or drugs, researching how to end their lives, exhibiting reckless behavior, isolating themselves, and if they start giving things away to friends and family, that those are all behaviors to keep in mind if you think someone is exhibiting depressive thoughts leading to suicidal thoughts.
Another place to find resources - the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, shares that when someone you know and love is at risk, you should take the following steps from AFSP.org:
- Talk to them in private
- Listen to their story
- Tell them you care about them
- Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
- Encourage them to seek treatment or to contact their doctor or therapist
- Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice
The foundation shared the following tweet as well, as an infographic, on how to be a "lifesaver" for the people you know that are suffering:
