Watching for warning signs can save lives

Foundation offers information to raise awareness on suicide

On Tuesday, fashion icon Kate Spade’s life came to an end in what New York City police say was an apparent suicide.

The report has thrust a difficult, painful subject into the headlines once again, and it raises a tough question: Would you recognize the warning signs for suicide in a loved one?

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) notes that there is no single cause for suicide. It occurs most often “when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair.”

While there is no single cause, there are often common warning signs, the AFSP reports.

An at-risk individual might have conversations about killing themselves, or talk about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or unbearable pain, the AFSP says.

There are behavior indicators as well, AFSP notes, such as increased use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, aggression, fatigue or looking for ways to end their lives, such as searching online.

Mood indicators include depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation, shame, agitation, anger, or relief/sudden improvement.

There are also risk factors, AFSP reports, which include mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Traumatic brain injury or serious physical health conditions, including pain, can be risk factors.

Other risk factors can be environmental, such as access to lethal means, prolonged stress (harassment, bullying, etc.), stressful life events (rejection, divorce, financial crisis, etc.), or exposure to another’s suicide.

Historical risk factors include previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide or childhood abuse, neglect or trauma.

That is a lot of information to take in, but being aware of possible risk factors and warning signs could help save a life.

This isn’t something one has to tackle alone. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day — 1-800-273 TALK (8255), and has services available for veterans and for Spanish speakers. Or, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Whether it’s a loved one at risk or if you are personally struggling, reach out to one of these lifelines for help.