Am I or a friend at risk for suicide?
Most young people who are feeling depressed or are desperate enough to consider suicide show signs. If you or a friend exhibits any of the following signs, please seek help immediately.
Verbal Signs:
- "I want to kill myself."
- "I don't want to be here anymore."
- "No one understands me."
- "I can't take it anymore."
- "Things will never get better."
- "I'm tired of being a burden to my friends and family."
- "No one would miss me if I were gone."
- " I'm not going to kill myself, but I just can't take it anymore"
Physical Changes:
- Losing or gaining weight quickly
- Suddenly not caring about appearances or cleanliness
- Unexplained cuts, scrapes or bruises
- Appearing tired all the time
Acting Differently:
- Changes in mood: more withdrawn, anxious or sad, or sudden mood lift after a down period
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Suddenly taking more risks: not taking prescribed medication, driving drunk, ignoring physical limitations, having unprotected sex, using more drugs or alcohol
- Loss of concentration
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Losing interest in things that were once enjoyed
- Not planning for the future
- Hurting oneself on purpose
- Thinking and talking about death a lot
- Unexplained good-byes or unusual personal expressions that have a sense of closure
Situations:
- Recently having lost a loved one, relationship or job
- Having family troubles
- Having questions or worries about being gay, bisexual or transgender
- Previous suicide attempts
- Problems in an important relationship
- Problems at work or school
- Social isolation
If you have any of these concerns for yourself or a friend talk to a parent, teacher, counselor, religious leader, medical doctor, or a trusted adult who can help. If you have are considering killing or hurting yourself, call: 911 or Riverside Emergency Services at (781) 769-8674
