It is estimated that approximately 30,000 people die from suicide each year – this includes teenagers who account for 5,000 suicide cases. Sadly, suicide has become a permanent solution to temporary problems. There are several reasons why a person chooses to take their own life. In most cases, these individuals suffer from depression, have experienced a painful loss, and so forth.

Suicide occurs in all age groups, nationalities, and sexes. Those who commit suicide are generally overwhelmed by life’s problems and feel that there is no other solution to end their pain. Some who commit suicide are successful with hiding their true emotions; thus the suicide leaves many friends and loved ones in a state of confusion. On the other hand, some family and friends may have recognized that the suicide victim was experiencing depression or problems, but they did not realize the severity until it was too late.

Risk Factors for Suicide

There are several factors that put a person at risk of committing suicide. Obviously, there is no guaranteed equation to determine whether a person will end their life. However, accessing risk factors, and recognizing the signs of suicide will alert family and friends to a potential problem. Risk factors include:

• Previous Suicide Attempts: Many who unsuccessfully commit suicide are twice as likely to try again. These individuals generally do not receive medical attention, thus they are never able to resolve negative feelings.
• Personal Failure: Perfectionism is a common characteristic of suicide victims. Everything in these individuals life must be perfect. This includes family, work, home, personal tasks, and so forth. When the perfectionist person cannot meet unrealistic standards, they spiral into a depressed state.
• Recent Loss: The death of a loved one or a divorce places many young children and teenagers at risk of suicide. The pain is tremendous, and suicide appears to be the only way to alleviate hurt feelings.
• Diagnosed Depression or Anxiety
• Family History of Suicide
• Homosexuality
• Low self-esteem

Recognizing Signs of Suicide

It is often difficult to determine whether a person is on a path toward suicide. Those who have never had thoughts of suicide are likely to underestimate a sufferer’s ability to end their life. However, it is vital to remember that suicide victims have extreme feelings of worthlessness and depression. They may feel unloved or alone. Thus, it is more difficult for them to deal with problems or envision a solution to their problems. Even more so, family and friends should pay attention to tell-tale signs of suicide. Signs may be subtle or obvious. The key is recognizing them, and offering much needed support. Everyone experiences some degree of depression during their life. In some cases, depression may lasts for several days or weeks. Of course, not everyone who experiences the “blues” will commit suicide. Warning signs for suicide include:

• Depression
• Anger
• Isolation
• Insomnia
• Change in Eating Habits
• Giving Away Valued Items
• Preoccupation with Death
• Expressing Suicidal Thoughts (drawing, writings, songs)
• Substance Abuse
• Sudden Change in Behavior

Individuals who are contemplating suicide may utter expressions such as:

• “It will all be over soon.”
• “I hate living.”
• “I wish I were dead.”
• “Everyone would be better without me.”
• “Nothing matters anymore.”

Many family members and friends make the mistake of not taking these expressions seriously. A common belief is that those who make such statements are simply seeking attention. Although many suicide victims are secretive about their plans, other victims express subtle hints. All expressions of suicide should be taken seriously. Those who are good with hiding their true feelings may appear happy or jokingly. However, if you were to have a serious one-on-one conversation about their repeated suicidal expressions, they may be willing to supply listeners with their true feelings.

It may help to directly ask a person if they are thinking about suicide, or if they have ever thought about ending their life. If the answer is yes, the listener may ask additional questions and inquire about the reason(s) behind suicidal feelings. Have they talked to anyone about their feelings? What can the listener do to help? How do they plan to kill themselves?

When addressing this issue it is essential for the listener to speak in a serious, but calm manner. If the listener is smiling or laughing, the victim is less likely to provide serious answers. Suicide is no joking matter. If a victim is willing to openly communicate about their feelings, the listener should use this as an opportunity to offer support. Individuals who are in the early stages of contemplating suicide may be encouraged to seek counseling.

If the person does not agree to counseling, the listener could serve as a continual support system offering encouragement, support, and love. Nonetheless, a listener is not a psychiatrist. Therefore, listeners should continually encourage counseling or speak with another trusted adult such as a victim’s parent or spouse.

Help for Individuals Contemplating Suicide

Individuals contemplating suicide should seek immediate help. There are several suicide victims who do not want to die. Suicidal feelings are strong, and those who do not seek support will eventually succumb to these feelings. Those who experience overwhelming pressure should remain active. Take a walk, drive, go to a movie, pray, read a book, and so forth. Taking our mind off of negative thoughts will help pass the moment. Individuals contemplating suicide should seek help from family and friends. In most cases, these persons are embarrassed or feel that no one will understand. However, they may be surprised. No one wants to lose a loved one to suicide.

Many cities across the nation have a 24-hour suicide hotline (1-800-SUICIDE). These hotlines have expert counselors that will provide needed support for suicidal feelings. In addition, many hospitals offer suicide support groups for individual who have attempted suicide. This open forum allows victims to communicate and express their feelings among others who can completely empathize.

Coping with a Loved Ones Suicide

Unfortunately, many suicide attempts are successful. Family and friends have to live with the lasting consequences of their loved ones actions. Coping with a loved ones suicide is challenging. This is a death that could have been prevented, thus family and friends may experience feelings of guilt. However, loved ones must avoid self-blame.

Regardless of whether you had a fight or argument with a victim prior to the suicide, you are not to blame. Rarely does a person commit suicide because another person made them upset. Suicide victims generally plan their suicide in advance.

Loved ones should allow themselves to experience all the feelings common to losing someone in death. If possible, loved one should take some time off from work and allow themselves to grieve. Joining a support group for survivors of suicide victims or scheduling private counseling sessions will assist with the grieving process.