Dealing with Suicidal Ideation

Completed Suicides have increased by 30% since 1999.  Suicide is among the top 3 causes of death for teens. First Responders are more likely to die by suicide than in a line of duty. 

Pain and shame are two of the biggest drivers of suicide. Often the suicidal person is just wanting the pain to stop or they fear that things are never going to get better.  Shame conveys a sense of unworthiness and hopeless.  Especially if they have made a mistake, they believe that they are never going to get past the mistake.  

Warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die

• Searching for a way to kill themselves

• Feeling hopeless

• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Withdrawing or isolating

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Having extreme mood swings

 

But there is hope.  There is a way out of the darkness.  

Here are some resources for suicidal ideation:

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/facts-about-suicide/