6 signs exhibited by someone contemplating suicide

pulse-ghana admin

February 26, 2017 1:30 PM

While there is no single cause of suicide, it could be helpful to know some early warning signs exhibited by loved ones contemplating suicide.

The reported suicide of a university student in Kumasi has put the issue in the centre of the national discourse.

It has left many wondering what could have been done to avert such an incident. While there is no single cause of suicide, it could be helpful to know some early warning signs exhibited by loved ones contemplating suicide.

Depression

Depression is the perhaps the most common sign of suicide. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is “a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed…It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.”

Talk of being burdensome

Another sign of suicide contemplation is talk of being a burden on people and the sense of being a disappointment.

Withdrawing from everyday activity

People contemplating suicide are most likely to withdraw from everyday activity such going to church, attending classes, work, eating out and so on.

Isolating oneself from friends and family

While withdrawing from everyday activity, people contemplating suicide may also keep themselves away from their friends and family.

Impeding traveller

Suicidal people may exhibit signs of an impending traveller. They visit or call long lost friends, they give away their prized possessions away and speak as though they are travelling to a faraway place.

Talk of killing themselves

People contemplating suicide may speak about it at least once to someone. They would usually confide such thoughts in someone they trust.

You can read more about suicide prevention here.

pulse-ghana admin