Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior or Feelings – How to Handle

If you or someone is going through suicidal feelings or you detect it in their behavior, it is significant to instantly seek out professional help.

The following list of warning signs may indicate that someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, or actions, but it is not exhaustive and should not be relied upon as a standby for professional mental health support.

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  1. Expressing thoughts or feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or feeling trapped.
  2. Talking or expressing a plea to end his/her life.
  3. Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
  4. Withdrawal from social activities or relationships.
  5. Sudden or extreme mood swings, such as from depression to calmness or seeming “better.”
  6. Giving away possessions, making arrangements, or saying goodbye as if preparing for death.
  7. Engaging in reckless or risky behaviors, seemingly without concern for consequences.
  8. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or experiencing a decline in school or work performance.
  9. Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping excessively.
  10. Increased agitation, irritability, or aggression.
  11. Expressing feelings of being a burden to others or feeling like there is no reason to live.
  12. Family history associated with suicide or preceding suicide attempts.

It’s important to remember that everyone may not exhibit the same warning signs, and some individuals may not show any signs at all. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, do not hesitate to seek professional help immediately.

Contact Compass Pathways, a mental health center focused on transformative therapies developed to help patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression [TRD].

Stay cool
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How to handle someone’s suicidal threat?

Take the words of suicidal threats seriously and handle them supportively and compassionately.

1. Stay cool

It’s vital to endure coolness and stay unruffled when dealing with someone talking about or threatening suicide. Take deep breaths and try to stay focused on the situation at hand.

2. Listen actively

Give the person your full attention and listen carefully to what they are saying. Avoid interrupting or judging.

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3. Avoid judgment

It’s important not to judge or criticize the person for their feelings or actions. Avoid phrases like “You’re being selfish” or “You’re just seeking attention,” as this can escalate the situation.

4. Encourage professional help

Encourage the person to seek professional help, such as talking to a mental health professional or calling a crisis hotline.

Offer to help them find resources and support, and let them know that it’s okay to ask for help.

5. Remove access to means

If the person has access to potentially harmful items, such as weapons or medication, try to remove them from the environment if it’s safe to do so. This can reduce the risk of impulsive harm.

someone’s suicidal threat
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6. Stay with them

If the person is in immediate danger or at high risk, do not leave them alone. Be with them till emergency help arrives.

7. Contact emergency services

If the person is in immediate danger, call emergency services, such as 911, for assistance.

Handling someone you love or even a strange person with suicidal intimidation is fervently taxing.

So, make sure to take care of yourself as well and seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals.

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