How to Help a Suicidal Friend

According to The World Health Organization, over one million people globally commit suicide every year, and 10-20 million attempt unsuccessful suicide attempts. People who are suicidal don’t usually talk about it, but they do communicate in ways that may indicate they are considering suicide. Helping a friend or loved one in a time of this crisis can only begin with learning the signs and symptoms of someone in danger of committing suicide.

What is Depression?

The brain produces three main neurotransmitters that influence mood and a "sense of well-being." When these chemicals are low, due to many factors, the person will exhibit depression. Extremely low neurotransmitters in the brain can create a very suicidal person that "feels" as though they are in agony. Psychological pain is very real pain and should not be dismissed as "it's all in your head."

Low neurotransmitter production may run in families, be caused by alcohol or drug abuse, may be a side effect of a new medication, or can be induced by a history of childhood abuse or trauma. Although the brain is not fully understood, science has found serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine important components to depression. These neurotransmitters are vital to a healthy mind that is free from mood disorders. The role of these chemicals and the symptoms of low levels may be:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

LifeLine 1-800-273-TALK

National Hopeline Network

1-800-SUICIDE

People who have severe depression may be at risk for suicide. A person who suffers major depression may be to fatigued or lethargic to actually carry out suicide, but they usually have suicidal ideations (thoughts of suicide) that may push them into devising a plan. As they become less depressed, they may seem happier and exert more energy. This is a dangerous time for sufferers, because they now have the ability to put the plan into action. Signs and Symptoms of suicidal thoughts are:

• Giving personal possessions away and telling everyone how much they love them.
• Frequently talking about death or end of life situations. Wishing they “were never born” or “I’d be better off dead.”
• Exhibits hopelessness and helplessness. “Life has no meaning,” or “there is no way out of this horrible life.”
• Getting their affairs in order. Writing letters to old friends and family, or writing out a will.
• Increased substance abuse, spending sprees or engaging in unsafe sex.
• Self hatred behaviors and thoughts express as, “I wish I were dead,” or “everyone would be better off if I were gone.”
• Violent behaviors with erratic mood swings, bouts of anger and rage, threatening
• Loss of interest in the activities and things they used to find joy in doing
• Rapid weight gain or loss, insomnia and complaint of fatigue after rest

If the person has a plan to commit suicide, this is a warning sign that they may be serious about executing a suicide attempt. The question is do they have the "means" to carry out the plan. If their plan is vague, and state they "will not commit suicide," the risks are low. If the person states they plan to shoot themselves in the head, but they do not own a gun, and they state they will not commit suicide, they are at a low risk. This person should be strongly encouraged to get help. A concerned person should be proactive and get others involved to get the suicidal person to psychiatric treatment and placed on medication for depression.

If the person has attempted suicide in the past, call 911 and get help.

On the other hand, if the person states they have a plan to shoot themselves, they own a gun in the home, and state they will commit suicide, calling 911 is necessary. Do not leave them alone until help arrives.