Don't Let Suicide be the Silent Killer
Suicide is a topic most of us would like to avoid bringing up. Unfortunately, not talking about it does not seem to be working. Here are some truths:
- Suicide is a leading killer in our world and shows no signs of slowing down.
- Being rich, poor, different race, color, culture, or living in different countries seem to have little bearing on suicide rates.
- Talking about suicide doesn’t “implant” the thought or make someone more likely to commit suicide.
- When public figures commit suicide, there is a spike in suicide around the country.
- Increasing our awareness and ability to talk about suicide is thought to be one of the best deterrents.
Watch for the Signs!
Looking for possible signs of suicide is always a good idea. Even if those people you care about have these signs, the only way to know for sure is to talk to them about it!
- Isolating from others.
- Not doing things they used to like to do.
- Can appear numb or to not care.
- Unusual sleep patterns.
- Change in diet/exercise.
- Avoid or get upset when topics of the future come up.
- Not connecting socially with others.
- Having past thoughts or attempts of suicide is an increased risk in general
