6 ways to determine if someone is depressed and suicidal

The harsh reality is that depression is the leading cause of suicide globally, and it's a crisis that's compounded by the numerous societal challenges people face today. When depression takes hold, it can wreak havoc on both emotional and physical well-being, ultimately impairing an individual's ability to function in their daily life.

This serious mental health disorder has a profound impact on a person's feelings, thoughts, and actions. If left untreated, depression can lead to overwhelming despair, causing individuals to feel like their life has lost all meaning and purpose. Sadly, this can culminate in suicide, with many seeking to escape their pain.

The statistics are staggering: in 2019, a shocking 77% of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries, and suicide accounted for 1.3% of all deaths worldwide, making it the leading cause of death that year. These numbers underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and access to mental health resources to combat this?growing?crisis.

The alarming reality of suicide is underscored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) stark statistics. In the United States, suicide claimed the lives of 45,979 individuals in 2020, while an additional 1.2 million people attempted to take their own lives. Globally, the situation is equally dire.

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Health Estimates, more than 700,000 people succumb to suicide every year – a staggering rate of one person every 40 seconds. These numbers highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and access to mental health resources to combat this?growing?crisis.

Suicide rates vary significantly across different age groups, with the highest rates found among individuals aged 25-34 and 75-84. Alarmingly, the suicide rate jumps to 20.9% among those aged 85 and above. In terms of gender, men have a higher rate of completed suicides compared to women, with 3.9 times more men taking their own lives than women in 2020. Middle-aged white men are disproportionately affected, accounting for 69.7% of all completed suicides in the US that year. Furthermore, firearms are the most common method used in completed suicides, responsible for 52.53% of cases in 2020. These statistics are not only alarming in the US but also echo a global trend.

To combat depression, the leading cause of suicide, it's essential to recognize the warning signs in friends and loved ones. Here are six ways to identify if someone may be having suicidal?thoughts:

1. They Distance themselves from the Society

One potential indicator of suicidal thoughts is when someone starts to distance themselves from society. They may feel like they don't belong or that the world would be better off without them. As a result, they tend to withdraw from social interactions, decline invitations to gatherings and events, and prefer to be alone. The thought of being in public or surrounded by people can become overwhelming, fuelling their desire for isolation.

It is essential to recognize that this withdrawal is not just a matter of preference, but a potential cry for help. If someone you know is exhibiting this behaviour, it may be a sign that they need support and guidance to address their underlying?emotional?pain.

2. They distance themselves from friends and family

Another warning sign of suicidal thoughts is when someone starts to distance themselves from friends and family. People struggling with depression or suicidal ideation often feel the need to isolate themselves, even from those they love and trust. They may decline invitations to social gatherings, such as dinner or family meetings, and become increasingly unresponsive to phone calls, texts, or other forms of communication.

In some cases, they may feel that their family is contributing to their emotional pain, while others may believe that their loved ones cannot provide the help they require. It's crucial to be aware of friends and relatives who are withdrawing from their social circle, and to reach out to them with compassion?and?support.

3. They talk less and keep things to themselves

As I mentioned earlier, Individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts typically exhibit a noticeable decline in their communication. They tend to become increasingly withdrawn, responding briefly and superficially, if at all.

Even when they do engage in conversation, it's often lacking in depth and substance. They may appear disinterested in discussing their thoughts, feelings, or daily experiences, and their responses may seem dismissive or unsettling. This change in behaviour can be a subtle yet significant indicator of their emotional distress.

If you notice a loved one suddenly becoming more reserved, uncommunicative, or disconnected, it's essential to reach out and initiate a supportive conversation, rather than waiting for them?to?open?up.

4. Their Hygiene Standard drops

A disturbing indicator of suicidal thoughts is a significant decline in personal hygiene and self-care. When someone becomes overwhelmed by despair and hopelessness, they may lose the motivation to maintain even the most basic aspects of their daily routine. This can manifest in a lack of interest in showering, dressing in clean clothes, or keeping their living space tidy.

Their surroundings may become increasingly cluttered and unsanitary, reflecting the turmoil and chaos they feel inside. This neglect of personal hygiene and self-care can be a desperate cry for help, signalling that they've lost the will to live and function as they once did.

If you notice a loved one's hygiene standards declining, it's crucial to intervene early and offer support, as this behaviour can be a warning sign of suicidal?ideation.

5. They repeatedly try to reach out to everyone close to them

A subtle yet significant indicator of suicidal thoughts is when someone repeatedly reaches out to loved ones or acquaintances, often with brief, seemingly unrelated messages. These messages, such as "Hello," "How are you doing?" or "I hope you're doing well," may appear harmless, but can be a desperate cry for help.

Despite receiving positive responses, they may persevere in sending these messages day after day, as if seeking reassurance or connection. This behaviour can be a subtle attempt to reach out for support without actively asking for it.

If you notice a loved one exhibiting this behaviour, it's essential to recognize it as a potential warning sign and respond with empathy and concern. By doing so, you may help?save?a?life.

6. Saying goodbyes in a way that is indirect

A troubling and often overlooked indicator of suicidal thoughts is when someone starts conveying indirect goodbyes. They may not explicitly state their intentions, but their behaviour and actions can be a subtle cry for help.

People in this state may feel compelled to reconnect with loved ones, apologize for past wrongs, and tie up loose ends. They might provide instructions on how others should care for one another, giving the impression that they're ensuring everything is in order.

Unfortunately, this behaviour can be a partially concealed attempt to bid farewell without revealing their suicidal intentions. This is regularly the final stage of suicidal thoughts, and it's crucial to recognize these subtle signs.

If you notice a loved one exhibiting this behaviour, it's essential to act quickly and offer support, as this can be their last cry for help before taking?drastic?action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, suicidal thoughts and behaviours are a pressing concern that affects individuals from all walks of life. We've all likely encountered someone struggling with suicidal ideation at some point, and it's crucial that we take action to support them.

The stark reality is that many people suffer in silence, and their cries for help can go unnoticed. The statistics are alarming: for every adult who dies by suicide, there are at least 20 others who attempt to take their own lives.

Often, those who become suicidal were once happy and fulfilled, but were let down by their loved ones and society. If you suspect someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it's essential to take them seriously and offer support.

Don't dismiss their feelings or assume they'll improve on their own. Instead, make them feel valued, listened to, and understood. If needed, refer them to a suicide prevention center or a mental health professional.

Your actions could be the turning point that helps them survive and find?a?way?forward.

Statistics

Suicide Data (Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use); World Health Organization

Suicide Worldwide in 2019 (Global Health Estimates); World Health Organization

Suicidality: Causes and Triggers (Mental Health Education); Brainsway