Be able to identify a friend who may be hurting.
Suicide is PREVENTABLE. Four out of five young people who attempt suicide will show clear warning signs before an attempt. That means in 80% of suicide attempts, we have the opportunity to recognize a friend who may be struggling and get them help.
You should be concerned if a friend exhibits multiple of these signs over an extended period of time.
Look for these warning signs in your friends:
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Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given warning signs through their words or behaviors. Do not ignore any suicide threats. The following statements may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide attempts. Mental or addictive disorders are associated with 90% of suicide. One in ten youth suffer from mental illness serious enough to be impaired, yet fewer than 20% receive treatment. Depression can be exhibited in many ways including the following which are detailed in more depth:
Recent research has identified a connection between interpersonal violence and suicide. Suicide is associated with fighting for both males and females, across all ethnic groups, and for youth living in urban, suburban, and rural areas. You should be concerned if a friend is exhibiting unusually irritable behavior.
You should be concerned if a friend suddenly starts to lose interest in sports or hobbies that they used to enjoy participating in.
Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given warning signs through their words or behaviors. Do not ignore any suicide threats. The following statements may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
This can be seen throughout their:
Youth who have attempted suicide are at risk to do it again. In fact, they are eight times more likely than youth who have never attempted suicide to make another suicide attempt.
Once the decision has been made to end their life, some young people begin making final arrangements.
By themselves, many of these observations are not sure signs that someone is suicidal, but could mean that they are struggling with issues in their lives and could use help. If these issues are not addressed or treated, they can result in suicidal thoughts or attempts.