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When someone we care about is struggling, it is not always easy to know what they are going through. A person may not come right out and say that they are thinking about suicide. Instead, the signs may appear in the things they say, the way they act, or changes happening in their life. Knowing what to look for can give family members, friends, coworkers, and others an opportunity to step in, offer support, and help someone find the resources they need.
Warning signs often appear as changes that are new or unusual for the person. They may follow a painful event, a major loss, or another significant change in their life. One sign by itself does not necessarily mean someone is thinking about suicide, but it should not be ignored, especially when several changes begin happening at once. What may seem like a small change to one person could be an important sign that someone else is struggling.
Sometimes, the signs can be heard in the words a person uses. Someone who is feeling hopeless may make direct statements such as, "I'm going to kill myself." Others may speak in less obvious ways, saying things like, "I won't be around much longer" or "Pretty soon, you won't have to worry about me." These comments can be easy to brush off or assume the person does not really mean. However, they should be taken seriously. Rather than dismissing what someone says, take the opportunity to listen and let them know that you are there for them.
Other signs may show up in a person’s behavior. Someone who is struggling may begin giving away personal belongings, putting their affairs in order, or looking for ways to obtain something they could use to hurt themselves. They may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed or suddenly become interested in religion in a way that is unusual for them. Changes in alcohol or drug use, sleeping patterns, or mood can also be signs that something is wrong. Anger, irritability, or aggression may look very different from what people typically associate with someone who is depressed or suicidal, but these changes can still be important to recognize.
Life circumstances can also provide clues. Losing a job, being expelled from school, going through an unwanted move, losing an important relationship, or experiencing the death of someone close can leave a person feeling overwhelmed. A serious illness, financial problems, fear of punishment, or feeling like a burden to family and friends can also weigh heavily on someone. These experiences do not mean that a person is suicidal, but they can become especially concerning when they occur alongside noticeable changes in behavior or comments about hopelessness.
The most important thing is to pay attention to what is different. Friends and family members often know when something does not seem right. If someone who is normally outgoing becomes withdrawn, someone who is usually calm becomes increasingly angry, or someone begins saying things that suggest they will not be around much longer, those changes deserve attention.
If you are worried about someone, reaching out can feel uncomfortable, but starting a conversation may be one of the most important things you can do. You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply listening and letting someone know they are not alone can make a difference. If you believe someone may be thinking about suicide, ask them directly and take their response seriously.
Help is also available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People experiencing a crisis, as well as family members and friends who are concerned about someone, can call or text 988 or use the online chat service at any time. A trained crisis counselor can listen, help someone work through what they are experiencing, talk about immediate safety, and connect them with resources in their community.
Reaching out for help does not mean someone has failed, and asking for help does not make a person a burden. Suicide can affect families and communities in ways that last for years, but so can an act of kindness at the right moment. Paying attention, listening without judgment, and being willing to ask, "Are you okay?" could be the conversation that helps someone realize they do not have to face their darkest moment alone.
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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You are not alone, and there is support available right here in Columbiana County.
● CALL OR TEXT 988: Reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 for free, confidential support for yourself or someone you are concerned about.
● CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
● EMERGENCY: If there is an immediate risk of harm, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
This article is brought to you by the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition. To learn more about our resources, local initiatives, or how to get involved, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Suicide-Prevention-Coalition and follow us on Facebook @ColumbianaCountySuicidePreventionCoalition.