How to help a loved one that shows signs of suicidal tendencies

Sadly there seem to have been a rash of suicides in the North Texas area in the past few months. Just this week a teenage mom drove into an oncoming truck in an apparent suicide. Maybe we’re just hearing more about them because many of the recent cases have involved minors. Maybe we’re just as a society becoming more open to talking about suicides.

Regardless of why suicide is in the news more these days, the numbers are eye-opening.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that more than 33,000 people in the United States die from suicide each year. That makes it the fourth leading cause of death for adults age 18 to 65. A person in the U.S. dies from a suicide every 16 minutes and an attempt is made every minute, the foundation says.

The numbers are staggering.

But what are the signs that family members and friend can look for?

The foundation says that signs include:
• serious depression with symptoms such as hopelessness, despair, anxiety and withdrawal;
• increased drug or alcohol use;
• impulsiveness and suddenly taking unnecessary risks; threatening suicide;
• signs that the person is making a plan by giving away possessions or acquiring firearms, poisons or medications.

The foundation recommends that if you are concerned about a loved one talk to that person about it and ask if they’re taking medication or speaking to a therapist or physician. If the person appears to be in immediate danger of harming themselves, call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or take the person to the nearest emergency room.

For more information, visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you live in North Texas and are unsure of where to turn to, and it is not an acute situation where someone’s life is in immediate danger, Texas Health Springwood Hospital offers evaluations for individuals who may be experiencing mental health issues. To schedule an evaluation, please call 817-355-7777.