Nearly a million people worldwide commit suicide every year, with anywhere from 10 to 20 million suicide attempts annually. Knowing the signs and symptoms in someone who wants to commit suicide may help prevent a tragedy.

Sometimes a family member, friend or colleague is the first one to notice that something is amiss. Unfortunately, these signs are often overlooked or their significance is not realised until it is too late.

What are the warning signs of suicide and what should you do if you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms?

 

Warning signs of suicide

The following are possible warning signs of suicide and should be heeded:

    • Talking about dying: talk of disappearing, jumping, shooting him- or herself or other expressions of self-harm
    • Loss of religious faith and a loss of interest in friends or activities once enjoyed
    • Change in personality: unusual fatigue, indecisiveness or anxiousness
    • Change in behaviour: lack of concentration in work, school or everyday activities, such as household chores
    • Change in sleeping patterns: oversleeping, insomnia and other types of sleep disturbances
    • Change in eating habits: loss of appetite or an increased appetite; increased or decreased weight
    • Decreased sexual interest, including impotence or irregular or missed periods
    • Low self-esteem as shown in emotions such as shame, inferiority or self-hatred
    • Fear of loss of control: worrying about losing sanity and harming him- or herself or others
    • Lack of hope for the future and thinking that things will never improve
    • Constant talking about financial troubles getting out of control
    • Making arrangements; setting affairs in order
    • Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

 

Factors that increase the chance of someone committing suicide include previous suicide attempts, a history of substance or alcohol abuse, excessive spending, hyperactivity, restlessness or lethargy.

If you or someone you know is showing any of the above suicide symptoms, you should seek help immediately by taking one of the following steps:

    • Contact our Employee Wellbeing Programme on the EAP number immediately.
    • Talk to a loved one: reach out to someone you love and tell them how you feel.
    • Seek professional help: speak with a counsellor, psychiatrist, therapist, your family physician or visit a suicide prevention and crisis center: Speaking with a professional is a crucial step towards recovery.

 

Above all, know that help is out there and while things may seem hopeless now, you are not alone in your struggles and with support your life will get better.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about the signs and symptoms of suicide. Call us on our EAP number if you or someone close to you is talking about committing suicide.