How to watch for suicide warning signs

News reports today are reflecting another painful toll of the nation’s financial crisis:  A growing number of suicides linked to the economic difficulties we've been living with for the past weeks and months. The tragedies include a 90-year-old widow who shot herself right before being evicted and a 45-year-old former money manager who shot his wife and children before killing himself because of the financial trouble he was in.      

Not surprisingly, suicides and psychiatric hospitalizations peak when the economy is at its lowest,  according to the American Psychiatric Association.  If you already suffer from depression or anxiety then financial stress, job loss, foreclosures will only make things worse.

So far we're talking about a dozen suicides. There may be nearly a half-million foreclosures nationwide and many more feeling financially strapped, most people are NOT turning to suicide.

However, there are warning signs to lookfor. Dr. Douglas Jacobs, chair of the American Psychiatric Work Group on Suicidal Behaviors, offers these:

            Suicide Warning Signs
• Threatening suicide or self-harm
• Looking for ways to kill oneself (weapons, pills or other means)
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Feeling desperate or trapped
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feeling there is no reason or purpose to live
• Expressing rage, intense anger or seeking revenge
• Feelings of intense anxiety or panic
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends or family

             If you find yourself having suicidal thoughts, here are some options you may want to consider:
• Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Go to the hospital and check yourself into the emergency room
• Tell someone who can help you get help
• Stay away from things that can hurt you

            The American Psychiatric Association suggests the following phrases may be an indication that someone is in trouble:
• "I'm finished."
• "It's all over."
• "My family would be better off without me."
• "There's no hope. There's nothing I can do." 
• "I made a tremendous blunder."

            If you think your loved one or friend is in trouble, the non-profit organization "Screening for Mental Health Inc" encourages you to "ACT"

Acknowledge: Take warning signs seriously. Don't ignore a friend of loved one's threats.

Care: Be willing to listen. Don't be afraid to ask if he/she is considering suicide or has a particular plan or method in mind. Let the person know you care and understand. Reassure them that they are not alone, but try not to be confrontational.
Treatment: Encourage your friend/family member to get help immediately. Help them find a knowledgeable mental health professional or a reputable treatment facility.
Do not leave a suicidal individual alone. If all else fails, call 911.
           
            You can find more information on suicide and suicide prevention at:

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education: http://www.save.org

APA's consumer Web site, www.HealthyMinds.org
            American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – http://www.afsp.org
            American Association of Suicidology  – http://www.suicidology.org
            Suicide Prevention Action Network – http://www.spanusa.org