Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network - Florida

WARNING SIGNS

There is no typical suicide victim.  It happens to young and old, rich and poor. 
Fortunately there are some common warning signs which, when acted upon, can save lives. 
 Here are some to look for:



URGENT DANGER SIGNS

  • Hopelessness or helplessness
  • Talking, writing or hinting about suicide
  • Lethargy, apathy or sadness
  • Extreme changes in behavior
  • Puts one's affairs in order -- giving away possessions
  • Relationship breakup
  • Buys gun or weapon or stock piles drugs
  • Suddenly happier and calmer -- giving the impression that things have improved


RISK FACTORS

These are things that increase the potential for a person's suicide.

PROTECTIVE FACTORS

Things that help a person through periods of crisis.

  • Family or friends or community
  • Positive self-esteem
  • Sobriety
  • Sense of hope
  • Good health
  • Counselor or Therapist (depression screening)
  • Treatment availability
  • Calm environment
  • Pet(s)
  • Medication compliance
  • Responsibility for children
  • Duty to others
  • Job security
  • Difficult access to lethal means (i.e.; gun, pills, etc)
  • Religious beliefs
  • Resiliency

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