Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are both damaging and dangerous
and are therefore considered a psychiatric emergency. Someone experiencing
these thoughts should seek immediate assistance from a health or mental health
care provider.
·
Threats
or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can
begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can
become more overt and dangerous
- Increased
alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive
behavior
- Social
withdrawal from friends, family and the community
- Dramatic
mood swings
- Talking,
writing or thinking about death
- Impulsive
or reckless behavior
Is There Imminent Danger?
Any person
exhibiting these behaviors should get care immediately:
- Putting
their affairs in order and giving away their possessions
- Saying
goodbye to friends and family
- Mood
shifts from despair to calm
- Planning,
possibly by looking around to buy, steal or borrow the tools they need to
complete suicide, such as a firearm or prescription medication
Risk Factors for Suicide
The following are things
may put a person at risk of suicide:
- A family history of suicide.
- Substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol can result
in mental highs and lows that exacerbate suicidal thoughts.
- Intoxication. More than one in three people who
die from suicide are found to be currently under the influence.
- Access to firearms.
- A serious or chronic medical illness.
- Gender. Although more women than men
attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide.
- A history of trauma or abuse.
- Prolonged stress.
- Isolation.
- Age. People under age 24 or above age 65
are at a higher risk for suicide.
- A recent tragedy or loss.
- Agitation and sleep deprivation. (nami.org)
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