-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Editors’ Note: This article discusses suicide and contains details about mental health crises. If you are having thoughts of suicide, or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available at https://www.speakingofsuicide.
com/resources/ If you are in need of help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Hours of operation are 24/7 and it's confidential. If you have not personally experienced suicidal ideation, you most likely know someone or love someone who has.
Hearing that someone you care for is contemplating hurting themselves or ending their life can feel alarming and even scary as it is difficult to know how to handle these important conversations. Knowing the warning signs, so you can broach the topic is important. Signs to look out for include: An increase in mental illness symptoms Substance abuse issues Increase in impulsive or dangerous behaviors Previous suicide attempts or family history of suicide Withdrawing from social events or groups Giving away important items or large sums of money Increased apathy about life goals Irritability or mood swings Self-harm (which is not always indicative of suicidal thoughts, but repeated self-harm attempts are more likely connected with future suicide attempts) Traumatic brain injury The way in which warning signs present differs for each individual, which is why knowing ways to start these important conversations, as well as what to do if the perso.