Suicide

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Index of Suicide Topics

Basic information about suicide.

Thinking about suicide?

What should you do if someone you know is suicidal?

For Answers To Questions Frequently Asked About Suicide
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Basic information about suicide.

Most people who attempt or commit suicide do not really want to die – they just want their suffering to end.  A suicide attempt is a cry for help and should never be ignored.  Most people who commit suicide suffer from significant psychiatric problems such as chronic and major depression.  Most people who are suicidal only feel that way for a short time.  In fact, 97% of all people who have made a suicide attempt are glad they didn’t succeed.  With the proper intervention and treatment, many people who have attempted suicide have gone on to live healthy, productive lives.

There are a number of possible warning signs displayed by people who may commit suicide.  The following list includes signs of depression and possible risk factors for suicide:

Talking about dying – any mention of dying, harming oneself, or disappearing

Recent loss – death of a loved one, divorce, broken relationships, loss of a job, and overall lack of interest in daily activities

Change in personality – feeling sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, and tired

Change in behavior – difficulty concentrating on school, work, or daily tasks

Change in sleep patterns – insomnia, nightmares, and oversleeping

Change in eating habits – loss of appetite, weight loss, or overeating

Low self-esteem – feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred,  or that “no one really cares for me”

No hope for the future – believing that things will never get better, nothing will change for the better

Nearly everyone who attempts suicide will show some warning signs in the days, weeks, or months beforehand.  If a friend or someone you care about is suicidal, try to spend time with them.  Practice patience, sympathy, and acceptance.   Avoid arguments and advice giving.  Nearly all suicidal people suffer from conditions that will pass with time or with the assistance of a recovery program.   Risk factors include mental illness, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, and a history of being sexually abused.  Help is available for those who feel suicidal.  To speak with a trained professional, call the Crisis Center at (205) 323-7777.

Thinking about suicide?

 If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, immediately tell someone who can help:

Call your doctor’s office

Call 911 for emergency services

Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room

Ask a family member for help, or

Press 0 to speak to a trained counselor at the Crisis Center

For many people who feel suicidal, there seems to be no way out.  The most important step is to seek help.  Talk to someone whom you trust.  Simply talking to a family member or friend can bring relief.  In many cases, a friend or parent may have difficulty responding to you.  They may be frightened or embarrassed, and may pretend they don’t notice or hear.  They might feel hurt because they think you are blaming them or feel angry because they are being asked to deal with something they just can’t handle.

But if the parent or friend you turn to for help doesn’t know how to help, your situation is not hopeless.  You need to talk to someone who does know how to help you.  There are trained professionals whose job is simply to talk with you and offer a non-judgmental response.  Trained counselors, doctors, and clergy staff can often be helpful.  To speak with a counselor at any time, call the Crisis Center at (205) 323-7777.

What should you do if someone you know is suicidal?

 If a friend or someone you care about is suicidal, and you believe that they are in immediate danger of harming themselves, get help immediately.  Speak to one of the counselors at the Crisis Center, or the police, or take the person to the emergency room of the hospital.  Do not leave your friend alone.

Bear in mind the following suggestions if you believe that someone is suicidal:

• Ask them directly if they are thinking of suicide.  Try to determine if they have a plan.  Simply asking someone if they are suicidal will not make them so.  Most likely, they will be relieved that you asked.

• Listen intently to what the person says.  Stay calm and do not judge them.  Do not discount their feelings or advise them not to feel the way they are.  Reassure them that there is help for their problems.  Offer to help them explore various options, and ask them what you can do to help.  Suggest that your friend see their physician for a physical. 

• There may be underlying medical problems that could be contributing to their feelings.  Their doctor may also offer a referral to a psychiatrist if necessary.  Try to get your friend to see a trained counselor.  While they may initially resist, remain persistent.  If he or she will not go to a psychologist or a psychiatrist, suggest they talk to a clergy person, a teacher, or some other authority figure they respect.

 If someone is suicidal, he or she must not be left alone.  Try to get the person to seek help immediately from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911.  It is also important to limit the person’s access to firearms, medications, or other lethal methods for suicide.  To speak with a counselor, call the Crisis Center at (205) 323-7777.