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Helping Your Loved One Who Is Suicidal (Part 2)

2. Recognizing Warning Signs and Taking Action

In addition to the urgent warning signs mentioned earlier, it is imperative to know these additional warning signs and take action if your loved one is displaying these behaviors, especially if the behavior is new or has increased recently:1

  • Posting distressing messages on social media
  • Showing dramatic mood shifts and talking about being a burden to others, expressing hopelessness
  • Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
  • Acting reckless; increased use of alcohol or other drugs
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and society

Additional warning signs specific to youth include these:2

  • They have a peer or friend who has died by suicide.
  • They have suffered a recent humiliation or embarrassment (e.g. bullying, breakup).
  • Their quality of schoolwork is decreasing.

Take action! Ask questions and listen.

Talk openly and honestly about suicide and don't be afraid to use the word suicide. Help them feel understood, not accused or blamed. Listen to their concerns, and take them seriously. Your job is to listen so they can talk about the feelings that might be contributing to their distress.

Here are some examples of what you can say:

  • "I want to help you. Please tell me what I can do to help."
  • "I am here for you whenever you want to talk."
  • "I'm here to support you, not judge you."
  • "I'm sorry I didn't realize you are in such pain."

Get your loved one connected with care.

A person who is displaying warning signs of suicide and/or attempts suicide should always be evaluated by a mental health professional as soon as possible. Untreated, underlying mental illnesses can lead to suicidal thoughts, and it is important to get appropriate treatment for them, which will ultimately help with treating suicidality. You can help your loved one contact their primary care physician to arrange a mental health screening and evaluation. You can also find a licensed mental health professional who is trained in suicide prevention and evidence-based treatments. Always remember though to follow the action steps mentioned earlier if your loved one is demonstrating urgent warning signs and has made a suicide attempt, or you are afraid they are about to make a suicide attempt. The following are some ways to get connected to mental health professionals:

References

  1. Rudd, M.D., Berman, A.L., Joiner, T.E., Nock, M.K., & Silverman, M.M. (2006). Warning signs for suicide: Theory, research, and clinical applications. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(3), 255–262. doi: 10.1521/suli.2006.36.3.255
  2. Youth Suicide Warning Signs. (n.d.). Healthcare professionals: Youth suicide warning signs. Retrieved January 10, 2023, from https://www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2021, May). Helping your loved one who is suicidal: A guide for family and friends (Pub. No. PEP20-01-03-001). Retrieved January 10, 2023, from https://store.samhsa.gov

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  • Let's Talk About Eating Disorders

  • Stress Hardiness

  • Helping Your Loved One Who Is Suicidal (Part 3)

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