The Chronicles Of Grant County
(The image was provided courtesy of Goran Horvat through Pixabay, June 5, 2017.)
There are a number of risk factors that impact people considering suicide. There are also a number of warning signs that may occur when a person is considering suicide. This edition of The Chronicles Of Grant County highlights several of these potential factors and indicators that someone is looking at committing suicide.
"Suicide does not discriminate," according to a statement from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). "People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause."
The NIMH indicates that the main risk factors for suicide include: depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder; chronic pain; a history of suicide attempts; family history of a mental disorder or substance use; family history of suicide; exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse; presence of guns or other firearms in the home; having recently been released from prison or jail; and/or exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities.
"Most people who have risk factors will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts," the statement from the NIMH continued. "Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at higher risk for danger and need immediate attention."
The NIMH statement indicates that "stressful life events (such as the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, or financial difficulties) and interpersonal stressors (such as shame, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or relationship troubles) may contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur along with suicide risk factors."
"Family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide," the NIMH notes, "and they can take the first step toward helping a loved one find mental health treatment."
A statement from the NIMH groups the warning signs for suicide in three categories: "Talking About," "Feeling," and "Changing Behaviors."
In the "Talking About" category, the NIMN indicates that a person considering suicide may talk about wanting to die, talk about great guilt or shame, and/or talk about being a burden to others.
In the "Feeling" category, the NIMH indicates that a person considering suicide may feel empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live; a person may feel extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage; and/or a person may feel unbearable emotional or physical pain.
In the "Changing Behaviors" category, the NIMH indicates that a person considering suicide may be making a plan or researching ways to die; may be withdrawing from friends, saying good-bye, giving away important items, or making a will; may be taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast; may be displaying extreme mood swings; may be eating or sleeping more or less; and/or may be using drugs or alcohol more often
"If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know," a statement from the NIMH noted, "get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently."
People needing help can call 9-8-8 for assistance.
Details on one of the potential funding sources for the 9-8-8 service will be detailed in the next edition of The Chronicles Of Grant County.
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