Suicidal Warning Signs

This past month, I’ve had six different people contact me about someone they care about who has either committed suicide or is contemplating it. I don’t know about you but this absolutely breaks my heart. I can’t imagine being so hopeless that I see suicide as the only escape.

How can you tell if someone is thinking of killing himself? While there is no foolproof way to predict it, professionals point to the following signs that a person may be suicidal:

· Threatening to hurt or kill himself · Looking for ways to kill himself; seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means · Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide · Hopelessness · Rage, anger, seeking revenge · Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking · Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out · Increasing alcohol or drug use · Withdrawing from friends, family, or society · Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time · Dramatic changes in mood · No reason for living, no sense of purpose in life

We need to be aware of these symptoms in hopes of protecting those we love. If you suspect someone is suicidal there are two important questions to ask:

• Do you have a plan?

• Have you thought about when you would do it?

If the answer is yes to either of these questions, professional help should be sought immediately

If you know someone who has been touched by suicide, they need your support. Your presence can go a long way in encouraging them during such a dark time. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. We cannot ignore it! In June, the military had a record number of suicides, most of them committed by soldiers who were stateside. We need to be aware of the warning signs and be willing to help those we love find hope. Please pray for the families of those who have been left behind. Also pray for those who feel hopeless; pray that they will see the Light!