Depression is a common mental health disorder that can lead to severe consequences, including suicide. According to the World Health Organization, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally. In this article, we’ll explore the warning signs of depression and suicide and what you can do to help someone in crisis.
Warning Signs of Depression
Depression can manifest in different ways, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Some of the warning signs of depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Changes in appetite or weight loss/gain
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional.
Warning Signs of Suicide
In addition to the symptoms of depression, there are some warning signs of suicide that you should be aware of:
- Talking about suicide or expressing suicidal thoughts
- Giving away possessions or making arrangements as if preparing for death
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or reckless driving
- Withdrawing from friends and family or becoming isolated
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Sudden improvement in mood after a period of depression (which could indicate that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide)
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s essential to take action and seek help immediately.
Responding to Someone in Crisis
If you believe someone is at risk for suicide, it’s crucial to take action and seek help immediately. Here are some steps you can take:
- Take the person’s thoughts and feelings seriously. Never dismiss or minimize someone’s suicidal thoughts or feelings.
- Ask the person directly if they are thinking about suicide. While it may be uncomfortable, asking the question can help start the conversation and encourage the person to seek help.
- Listen without judgment. Allow the person to express their feelings and concerns without judgment or criticism.
- Offer support and empathy. Let the person know that you care about them and that they are not alone.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help. Offer to help the person find a mental health professional or accompany them to an appointment.
- Remove any means of self-harm. If the person has a plan for suicide, remove any means of self-harm, such as pills or firearms.
In addition to these steps, there are some things you should avoid when responding to someone in crisis:
- Don’t promise confidentiality. If someone is at risk for suicide, it’s essential to involve other people, such as mental health professionals, family members, or emergency responders.
- Don’t leave the person alone. If someone is at immediate risk for suicide, stay with them or have someone else stay with them until professional help arrives.
- Don’t blame or judge the person. It’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and support, rather than judgment or blame.
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk for suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Final Thoughts
Depression and suicide are serious mental health concerns that require prompt attention and action. Recognizing the warning signs of depression and suicide is essential, as is taking action to help someone in crisis. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or is at risk for suicide, seek help from a mental health professional immediately.
