An April 2016 report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that suicide rates have risen significantly. In fact, statistics demonstrate a jump of 24 percent between 1999 and 2014. That’s a change from 10.5 suicides to 13 for every 100,000 individuals.
“It’s a leading cause of death, and we just don’t have a handle on it,” Matthew K. Nock, a psychology professor at Harvard and one of the country’s leading suicide researchers, tells Fox News.
And while it would seem practical to look for warning signs over a period of time, this isn’t always possible. Those who have lost a loved one to suicide often will say things happened so fast that it was tough to piece together information after the fact. This leaves an unsolvable mystery in which answers may never be found.
Plus, when people make the decision to end their lives, the decision itself can be final. Yes, they may dance around the idea for a few weeks or months. However, once that final mental choice has become a reality, it’s often too late. They’re going to do what they’re going to do. And they’re probably not going to tell you about it.
This means you need to know how to look for the signs of suicide -- both blatant and hidden. Though predictors may not always be present, it is sometimes possible to piece together what you’ve observed to save a life, and remember not to wait to get help. It’s ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry.
Here are five things to look for when it comes to signs of suicide.
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.
Never take a reference to death lightly. If you hear comments like “I wish I would die” or “Why can’t I just get hit by a bus?” take these comments seriously. They can be indicators that a person wants to die.
Look for a newfound fascination with dying. As the Mayo Clinic points out, this may reflect an obsession with death and violence. If you see this type of behavior, talk to a professional immediately to find out how to proceed.
Preparing for Suicide
Though actual suicide preparation process is a delicate topic, it’s one that you need to consider. Suicide often takes planning, so look for things that point to a plan to end life.
This starts with guns. Future suicide victims may purchase a gun when they’ve never had an interest in guns before, or they may buy bullets for a firearm that has been untouched for years. Another thing to look for is an excessive amount of pills that haven’t been taken, but instead collected.
Reckless or Withdrawn Behavior
Suicide involves twisted and distorted thinking. So victims often withdraw before the act has been attempted. If a person has been social and is no longer interested in day-to-day events that he or she once enjoyed, this is a red flag.
Further, look for reckless behavior. A loved one might drive carelessly. This could involve running yellow stoplights at the last possible minute. Or it could involve driving extremely fast with no concern for curves or law enforcement officials.
Individuals at risk of suicide may engage in drug use when it previously was not a part of their lives, and ample amounts of drugs may be taken. Alcohol may also be used as an escape mechanism.
Look for changes in sleeping patterns. Individuals may sleep a lot or very little, and mood swings may be present. A person might seem overly irritable about insignificant or bizarre incidences.
Finally, think about what the person has experienced that may drive this behavior. For example, if he or she has lost a job, this would be a major life change that can add fuel to the fire. And don’t rule anything out. Look for everything -- from DUIs to the loss of a relationship. Plus, remember that teens may resort to drastic behavior when it comes to things like break ups.
If you have observed these factors and suspect that a loved one is contemplating suicide, get help immediately. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR LOVED ONE ALONE. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).