Depression and Suicidal Behaviors
Story of Depression | Stressors | Warning Signs of Suicide
Depression
My best friend in high school was always happy and excited. But when we reached the middle of our junior year, she changed. I noticed she wasn't carrying her bible anymore, and I knew something was up. When I asked her what was wrong, she said that she and her mom were having some trouble. Weeks later her attitude and appearance started to change. She had dark circles under her eyes and her grades were dropping dramatically. I tried to talk to her, but she just kept shutting me out.
Back to Top
Stressors Associated With Depression and Suicidal Behaviors
Back to Top
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Putting life in order. This may be as simple as writing an obituary, settling debts or differences with others, cleaning out a room or locker.
- Saying good-byes. Perhaps thanking friends for "being a good friend" and telling them they will be missed.
- Direct statements about wanting to die (i.e., "I want to die").
- Vague statements (i.e., "Nobody cares about me," "Life sucks, I can't take it anymore," "I'm through with it.")
- Giving away possessions.
- Sudden change in behavior. This can be a sudden positive or negative change (i.e., all of a sudden appearing happy or calm after a prolonged period of depression or being upset). Also, suddenly not caring about things they would normally care about or taking risks they normally would not take.
- Increased use of drugs / alcohol.
- Hopelessness. Expressing there is no way out of a situation, that he / she cannot go on or that his or her life is over.
- Prior attempt. This is one risk factor that can actually predict a future suicide attempt. One out of 5 people who attempt will go on to complete suicide.
- Death themes in art or written work (i.e., drawing morbid pictures or writing stories, music or poetry about death and / or pain or being preoccupied about death).
Back to Top
