How to identify a person having suicidal tendencies?
OneLife research and understanding of suicidal tendencies in aggrieved people are evident as warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide. You can identify people with suicidal tendencies, when they are,
- Always talking or thinking about death or having adeath wish.
- Feeling excessive guilt or shame.
- Are under clinical depression – deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating – that gets worse.
- Are making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- Are visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
How can anyone help person having suicidal tendencies?
Always take suicidal comments very seriously: When a person says that he or she is thinking about suicide, you must always take the comments seriously. Assuming that the person is only seeking attention is a very serious and potential disaster.
Try not to act shocked: The person is already highly distressed, and if you are shocked by what is said, the person will become more distressed. Stay calm, and talk with him or her in a matter-of-fact manner, but get help immediately. If the person is at a high risk for suicide, reach out to us immediately.
Comfort the person with words of encouragement: Use common sense to offer words of support. Remember that intense emotional pain can be overwhelming, so be as gentle and caring as possible. There is no script to use in situations like these, because each person and each situation is different. Listen carefully, and offer encouraging words when appropriate.
Let the person know that you are deeply concerned: Tell the person that you are concerned, and show them that you are concerned. A suicidal person is highly vulnerable and needs to feel that concern