Many who are struggling with thoughts of suicide suffer in silence, feeling hopeless and alone. People who try to take their own life are often trying to get away from a situation that seems impossible to deal with. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US, claiming over 44,000 lives per year. Please call us immediately at 234-418-6000 if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
Suicide and suicidal behaviors usually occur in people with one or more of the following conditions:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Drug or alcohol use
- Borderline personality disorder
Warning signs
Often, but not always, a person may show certain signs and behaviors before a suicide attempt, such as:
- Feeling hopeless or guilty, or having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Giving away belongings or talking about the need “to get my affairs in order”
- Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
- Pulling away from friends or losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs
- Changing sleep or eating habits or suddenly having trouble at work or school
- Talking about death or suicide, or attempting to hurt themselves
- Arranging ways to take their own life (such as buying a gun or pills)
Always take suicide attempts and threats seriously
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call us at 234-418-6000. Our trained therapists are available 24/7 to offer support.
