Suicide

The problem with the prevention of suicide is the basic fact that the public does not understand the warning signs. No one commits suicide, or plans suicide, without telling someone. We simply are not taught the signs of suicidal ideation. It’s uncomfortable to hear a person state they are so unhappy with their lives that they no longer want to be here.

I listened to a podcast recently that stated there are men and women who are super-sensitive, those who are sensitive, and some who do not hear, they weren’t born with the Listening Gene. No matter where you are on the sensitivity spectrum, you have to teach yourself the signs of suicidal ideation. You have to detect a change in temperament; if you do indeed monitor a change in temperament, you cannot reason it out of existence. Stop! Ask questions. Rethink what’s been said over past conversations.

If your friend or family member starts giving things away, take note – it’s a sign.

Working with youth in Houston, Texas taught me that condemning father/son and father/daughter relationships can create suicidal ideation. I also learned that youth can participate in multiple, dangerous sexual activities as a way of wanting out of this world.

I worked with an unemployed, suicidal man twenty-five years ago who said, “Bill Clinton is my age. Look what he’s accomplished. I’m a failure.”

Whether someone says to you, “I’m a burden to others,” or, “I can’t stop drinking,” or “I can’t seem to get out of bed in the morning,” or “My mood swings have ruined my career and my marriage,” the bottom line is HOPELESSNESS.

If you’re super-sensitive, if you’re sensitive, if you care about the friends and family in your life, learn the signs of hopelessness. “What’s the point of going on?” “Whatever I do makes no difference.” “My children do not love me, in spite of how hard I try.”

Does someone in your life sound hopeless? Act! Find suicide prevention resources on the Internet.