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Suicide warning signs
Talking, writing, hinting
 Direct: 'I’ve decided the world would be better off without me.' 'I’m going to kill myself.'
Indirect: 'What’s the point of going on?'
Notes or drawings about suicide.
Behaviour
Changes to normal eating or sleeping habits
Drug and alcohol abuse.
Preparing for death: making a will, giving away prized possessions.
Risk-taking behaviour, no longer concerned for ones' physical well-being.
Not worrying about personal hygiene.
Feelings
The person may operate totally on feelings of hopelessness, depression, helplessness and despair.
Alternately, he/she may seem peaceful after a long depression (the decision has been made, and relief is imminent.)
Life experiences
Has attempted suicide or self-harmed before
Has experienced loss or a series of losses.
Risk factors
Not living up to cultural or community expectations.
Family dysfunction or poor parenting.
Educational or work failure
Loss of control over personal decisions
Pessimism about the future.
Loss of a loved one (family, friend or even a pet.)
Failure to gain attention or help
Rejection by peers, boyfriend, girlfriend etc.
Sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
Change (moving to a new place, changing work or schools, etc.)
Actions
Recognise the warning signs and risk factors (listed above).
Actively listen
Know how and where to get help.
Actively listening and engaging with the person
Ask the person if they are feeling suicidal. Talk to them about their suicidal thoughts and feelings. Then they will know that you have noticed their pain, and care about them. It also shows them that they are not alone.
Listen and accept what they say at face value. Don’t judge them or preach to them. Reflect back their feelings so they know you understand, but suggest they postpone any action until they explore other options.
Don’t keep their secret to yourself. Know your limitations. If you have promised not to tell, give yourself permission to break a confidence to someone who can help. In doing so, you may save a life.
Realise that for most people, feeling suicidal, is a temporary condition.
Encourage the person to make an appointment with a counsellor. Make sure that they have someone with them all the time, until they see the counsellor and normalise their feelings.
See them yourself within 48 hours of their counselling to confirm your support as well as to check that they are okay.
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