If you see something, say something.
Most suicides and suicide attempts are reactions to intense feelings of:
Loneliness - is an emotional state in which a person experiences powerful feelings of emptiness and isolation. Loneliness is more than just the feeling of wanting company or wanting to do something with another person. Loneliness is a feeling of being cut off, disconnected from the world, and alienated from other people.
Worthlessness – is an emotional state in which a person feels low, and they lack any feelings of being valued by others.
Hopelessness - is a spiritual/relational issue. It often stems from feeling disconnected from a
higher power or other people. Connection with a higher power and other people is a key to helping individuals to withstand grief and loss. This connection allows individuals to rebound from most severe disappointments of life.
Helplessness – is a condition or event where the Soldier thinks that they have no control over their situation and whatever they do is futile such as repeated failures, receipt of a “Dear John or Dear Joan” letter, etc.
Guilt- is a primary emotion experienced by people who believe that they have done something wrong.
Warning Signs:
Talk of suicide
Giving away property or disregard for what happens to one’s property ` Withdrawal from friends and activities
Problems with girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse
Acting bizarre or unusual (based on your knowledge of the person)
Those experiencing financial problems
Obsession with death (music, poetry, artwork)
Themes of death in letters and notes
Finalizing personal affairs
Giving away personal possessions
Risk Factors:
Risk factors are those things that increase the probability that difficulties could result in serious adverse behavioral or physical health. The risk factors only raise the risk of an individual being suicidal, it does not mean they are suicidal.
The risk factors often associated with suicidal behavior include:
Relationship problems (loss of girlfriend/boyfriend, divorce, etc.)
History of previous suicide attempts
Substance abuse
History of depression or other mental illness
A family history of suicide or violence.
Work-related problems
A serious medical problem
Significant loss (death of loved one, loss due to natural disasters, etc.)
Setbacks (academic, career, or personal)
Severe, prolonged, and/or perceived unmanageable stress
A sense of powerlessness, helplessness, and/or hopelessness
Suicidal Risk Highest When:
The person sees no way out and fears things may get worse.
The predominant emotions are hopelessness and helplessness.
Thinking is constricted with a tendency to perceive his or her situation as all bad.
