Editors note: This is Melissa Friday post but because she had a suicide death in the family last weekend she is just getting to it now. Please read this because maybe we can save some peoples lives.
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- Appearing depressed or sad most of the time. This was the biggest clue I exhibited and could not hide.
- Withdrawing from family and friends. This is also something I did that I could not hide.
- Losing interest in most activities. Hobbies and just keeping the house in order were things I was no longer interested in. I could not hide this.
- Dramatic Mood Changes. I had two moods, sad or angry. It was impossible for me to hide this.
- A change in sleeping patterns. For most of my depression, I slept too much. As it came closer to the time that I attempted suicide, I barely slept at all.
This is by no means a complete list of the warning signs that someone would display. If you were to do a Google search for “suicide warning signs” you would find many more lists that are much more complete. What I listed were warning signs that would be difficult or impossible for someone to hide. Things to look for and to pay particular attention to.
Anyone and everyone is at risk for developing a mental illness/mental health issue. Some people are at a higher risk because of family history, or a history of other chronic health conditions. There is no immunization to guard against mental illness. There is no magic pill that would prevent someone from developing a mental health issue. Which means anyone and everyone could potentially be at risk for suicide.
I believe that knowledge gives us power. By knowing what to look for we are being responsible parents, spouses, children, siblings, friends, and etc. to the people we love. It gives us the power to help. Never tell yourself that death by suicide or a suicide attempt is something that would never happen to someone you love. My family thought that, and were surprised to learn that they were wrong.
