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Red Flags: Warning Signs of Suicide
From Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse,
Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
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by Kimberly Read

Of all the words in our very colorful language which inspire an immediate sense of horror (and there are many!), suicide has to be among the top. Just the mention of the word brings that gut-wrenching feeling of dread, of disbelief, of misunderstanding, of fear ... of horror. It is a word charged with difficult emotion and, therefore, a topic of discussion which people avoid at all costs. It is taboo.

However, the figures are frightening. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the year 2002 suicide was the 8th ranked cause of death in the United States overall, but worse still, was the third leading cause of death for those aged 10-24, and the second leading cause for ages 25-34.

According to the Samaritans, a group which provides confidential emotional support for people in crisis, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people attempt suicide each year in the United Kingdom. Of these attempts, 7,000 will succeed in taking their lives.
Worse yet, it is estimated that as many as 20% of people who suffer from Bipolar Disorder will kill themselves. That's one out of every five! And as many as 50% - half! - of all manic depressive people may attempt suicide at least once in their lives. This is an appalling statistic, and one that shows the tremendous need for proper diagnosis and treatment of this devastating mental illness.

So the subject of suicide is not something we can ignore. It will not go away. Each of us needs to make the commitment to learning the warnings signs, the red flags, of despair, so we may be prepared - prepared to help a friend in crisis, prepared to see the cry for help from a loved one, prepared to seek help when our own resources for coping have worn thin.

I have attempted to organize these red flags into broad categories for easier reference. I have gathered this list of symptoms from personal experience as well as the following resource for additional information:

How to Prevent Suicide

Situational Indicators
Loss of a Relationship Via Rejection or Separation
Death of a Loved One
Diagnosis of a Terminal Illness
Loss of Financial Security
A Change in Physical Appearance
Loss of Employment/A New Job
Loss of Self Esteem
Abuse
Emotional Indicators
Depression
Hopelessness
Helplessness
A Sudden Lift Of Depression!
It is a well-known fact that as a person begins to climb from depression the possibility of a suicide attempt increases. There are two thoughts as to why this happens. The first is that when a person makes up her mind to take her own life, she becomes at peace with the situation. She feels more in control and thus the depression begins to lighten. The second idea is that as lethargy lifts, a person finds the energy to carry out suicidal plans he made while incapacitated. Regardless of the reason, however, this is a very critical time.

Behavioral Indicators
Acquiring a Weapon
Hoarding Medication
Putting Affairs in Order
Making or Changing a Will
Increased Interest in Suicide
Giving Away Personal Belongings
Mending Grievances
Checking on Insurance Policy
Withdrawing from People
Verbal Indicators
Straightforward Comments:
"I wish I were dead"
"I wish I had the nerve to kill myself."
"I wish I could die in my sleep."
"If it weren't for my kids, my husband ... I would commit suicide."

Hints:
"I hate life."
"Why do I bother?"
"I can't take it anymore."
"Nothing matters anymore."
In conclusion, I would like to note that these signs are not proof positive someone is considering suicide. Any number of these may be evident, but the person has given little or no thought to taking their own life. The reverse is also true. A person may give no warning of an impending suicide attempt. So how do you know for sure? Ask. Yes, ask! Be open to discussing this difficult subject with your loved one. It could save a life.

Updated: September 29, 2006