Clues to Suicidal Thought
- Changes in personality, habits or attitudes
- Depression, sleep and appetite disruption, energy loss
- Impaired concentration or thinking
- Social withdrawal and isolation from friends and family
- Decline in academic performance
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Deterioration and neglect of personal habits and hygiene
- Making preparations for death
- Less concern for own saftey and welfare
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
How You Can Help
- Listen and hear. Do not be judgemental or moralizing
- Be sensitive and supportive to person’s distress
- Do not be afraid to talk about suicide or use the word
- Take any suicidal statement/thoughts seriously, even if said in a calm voice. All threats and attempts should be taken seriously.
- Act definitively. Tell others even if this means breaking a confidence. Stay with the person until help arrives. If unsure what to do, do what will ensure the person’s safety.