How to Save a Life!

Suicide picture at http://www.flickr.com/photos/76261353@N00/5844915 on April 17, 2012

Suicide is a very serious topic, about one million people die each year from committing suicide. In this blog i’m going to give you tips on how to help someone who is thinking about suicide and how to tell if someone is thinking about suicide.


According to helpguide.org “Most people who commit suicide don't want to die—they just want to stop hurting.” People think if they die all the pain will go away. This is physically true but mentally wrong. When you commit suicide you are leaving your friends and family who deeply love and care about you.

People who wants to commit suicide feel that there is no way of relief so they decide to take their own life. Many people want to find another way out but they can’t find one, so they believe death is the only way.

How can you tell if someone is thinking about suicide? Here are some warning signs:

Talking about suicide	Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born," "If I see you again...," and "I'd be better off dead."
Seeking out lethal means	Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Preoccupation with death	Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.
No hope for the future	Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change.
Self-loathing, self-hatred	Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me").
Getting affairs in order	Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
Saying goodbye	Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.
Withdrawing from others	Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
Self-destructive behavior	Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."
Sudden sense of calm	A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide.

If you are worried someone is having thoughts about suicide you should follow these tips to help them.
1-Just talk to the person, let them know you are concerned about them.
2-If someone tells you they are wanting to commit suicide you should ask them the following questions: How do you plan on do it? What would you need to carry out your plan? Do you know when you plan on doing it? Are you even sure you're going to go through with it?
Then follow the chart below to tell how close they are to suicide.

Low — Some suicidal thoughts. No suicide plan. Says he or she won't commit suicide.

Moderate — Suicidal thoughts. Vague plan that isn't very lethal. Says he or she won't commit suicide.

High — Suicidal thoughts. Specific plan that is highly lethal. Says he or she won't commit suicide.

Severe — Suicidal thoughts. Specific plan that is highly lethal. Says he or she will commit suicide.

3- Offer them help and let them know you are there for them.
4- Let an adult know the situation to get help as soon as possible.


People commit suicide for many different reasons. For example they might have just lost a family member or they are depressed and lonely, so they feel this is the other way. But you can help save their life if you follow these tips.



All infomation and tables found at http://helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm