A Last-Minute Goodbye

People who plan to end their lives may make an attempt to say goodbye in their final days. One way that this is done is by giving away favorite possessions. For example, a cherished item of significance may be presented to a loved one. If this happens, do not take it lightly. 

A person planning to commit suicide may call or text friends and family to say goodbye, and the message may not always be clear. Future victims simply may take the time to tell loved ones how much they mean to them. In other words, an obvious goodbye may not be present. In this situation, it’s essential to read between the lines. 

Hopelessness

Hopelessness is a red flag when it comes to suicide. After all, this feeling is a major driving factor behind suicide in general. And because hopelessness is seen in depression, it can be tough to find the line between “safe” depression and suicidal thinking. 

This is when to stay alert. Look for signs that a person isn’t finding satisfaction or meaning in life. He or she may make comments like: “What’s the point?” This shows that a potential victim is floundering to find reasons to live, which can be an indicator that an exit strategy is planned. Another big one to look for is: “I wish I was never born.” 

Talk of Death

People often make the mistake of believing that talk of death is an attention-getting mechanism. And they assume that a person who does plan to end his or her life won’t talk about it. However, this isn’t always true.