November was National Suicide Prevention Month, but just because the month is over doesn’t mean we should stop talking about it! This can be a hard topic to talk about. A lot of people don’t like to talk about this subject, but we need to speak of this. I’ve never been affected by this personally. I do have friends who are.
It’s sad all around. One for the person who thought there was no other way out of whatever was going on in their mind. For the family and friends, who now are left with a void in their lives. It leaves a lasting hole in their lives. The pain will never go away. It might slow down a little, but the pain will always be there.
It’s so important that when someone tells you they want to kill themselves, that you listen. Those suffering from these thoughts aren’t doing it for attention. They have a problem that needs to be addressed by medical personal. A lot of people don’t like to open up about this subject, so if someone is coming to you saying this. PAY. ATTENTION.
They’re crying out to you in the only way they know how. Don’t ever brush it under the rug.
It’s not about statistics and all of that. There’s a person. A human. A soul behind this person who is struggling. You could be helping to save a life. Do you get that? A life! It doesn’t matter if someone has threatened to do this 500 million times. Always, take them serious.
Take them to get help. They might be ticked off, but that doesn’t matter when trying to save their life. I’d bet after they get some help, that they’d thank you. I know their family and friends will.
Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Talk
If a person talks about:
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Experiencing unbearable pain
- Having no reason to live
- Killing themselves
Behavior
Specific things to look out for include:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means
- Acting recklessly
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Loss of interest
- Rage
- Irritability
- Humiliation
- Anxiety
IF you or someone you know needs help, please call this number. Reach out to family and friends as well. 1-800-273-8255
*I got facts and the phone number from these places. *
http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/
Allyson is a published author, blogger, wife and mom to 4 kids. Three of her children are on the autism spectrum. She suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. On her blog you can find her writing about being an author, her faith and family. She resides in Missouri with her loving husband and four wonderful children, and three cats. She’s addicted to knitting and coffee.
You can follow Allyson on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Defying Shadows 