There are many irrational behaviors or warning signs a person who is seeking to end their pain and suffering may exhibit. This is why it is good to know your coworkers, friends and family members so you can notice when their actions and behaviors change and step in and help.
The following list is not all encompassing, but it does provide ten more common warning signs and suicidal people usually will display one or more of them:
- They have a preoccupation with death or dying either verbally or by researching about it in books, newspaper articles or on the Internet
- There is a drastic change in their behavior or personality and you or others notice it
- They may have suffered a recent severe loss such as relationship or threat of a loss
- They may go through unexpected preparations for death such as making out a will, increasing life insurance coverage or contacting funeral homes for information on funeral costs
- They start giving away prized possessions that they normally would never part with like collector’s items, cars, music and movies
- They may have told you about a previous suicide attempt that no one else had knowledge about
- They are uncharacteristically impulsive (e.g., shopping, taking trips or spending money), reckless (e.g., driving fast or passing cars on hills) or involved in risk-taking activities (e.g., extreme sports, playing “chicken” or gambling)
- They have a loss of interest in their personal appearance; they no longer give time or attention to looking sharp in their uniforms and have a general sloppy or careless-looking appearance)
- There may be an increase in the use or abuse of alcohol, which can compound a person’s depression
- They suffer from a sense of hopelessness about the future