Well it’s that time of year again. The time of year when everyone is happy, families lovingly share each others company and strangers are generous and kind. At least that is Hollywood’s version of the holiday season. Since the advent of the television, the post holiday suicide rate has increased dramatically, making January the most common month for suicide.
In spite of what a couple of so-called experts from Berkley said about our current economic state, most of us this year are dealing with loss; loss of income, loss of a home or perhaps the loss of hope. Las Vegas has been recently listed as one of the slowest communities to recover from the economic recession. Consequently, clinicians everywhere are gearing up for a difficult post holiday season.
One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is to become knowledgeable regarding the signs and symptoms that precede a suicide attempt. Suicide is still a cultural taboo in that people don’t want to talk about it. It’s time to shake off those old and destructive taboos and become willing make the “S” word part of your vocabulary.
People contemplating suicide will often display warning signs. However, the only way to know for sure is to ask them. Always take suicidal comments seriously, listen with compassion and tell someone who can help. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine if someone you know is contemplating suicide.
- withdrawing from friends and family
- recent loss of income, health or loved one
- irrationally spending or giving away money
- talking, writing, joking, or hinting of suicide
- loss of interest in usual activities
- sadness, hopelessness irritability that is out of character
- changes in appetite, weight, behavior, level of activity or sleep patterns
- making negative self comments
- a sudden change from depression to being at peace or being happy (Once the decision to suicide has been made the person often feels a release of depression. They begin to feel relief that their pain will soon end)
- putting personal affairs in order
- giving away possessions (very common)
- sudden interest in personal wills or life insurance
- making amends, expressing gratitude or contacting people to say goodbye
- unusual interest in other suicides in the news
- frequenting websites dealing with suicide or methods of harming oneself
If you know someone who is displaying several of these warning signs offer to talk with them. Give them the number to the suicide prevention hotline in your area; tell those who are closest to them what you have observed. Your message may be receive with disbelief or even anger, but never allow fear to prevent you from saving a life. It is better that you speak up and be wrong than to stay silent and be right.
Recourses: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Nevada Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-877-885-HOPE (4673)
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