Suicide

Most of us must have heard about the death of Hollywood icon Robin Williams.

Dr. Don Powell lists down suicidal signs on his book A Year of Health Hints.

If someone you know talks about suicide, take them seriously, says Dr. Powell.  Comments like “They’re better off without me,” I wish I were dead” are warning signs of desperation. Watch for these suicidal signs:

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Spending time alone or not associating with others
• Giving away personal possessions

Suicide prevention “don’t’s” include:

• Don’t ignore a threat of suicide.
• Don’t keep someone’s threat of suicide a secret.
• Don’t dare or challenge someone who has threatened to commit suicide.
• Don’t leave a person alone if they talk about suicide. 

What to do instead:

• Ask how the person plans to carry out the suicide. Has he or she acquired a gun or pills?
• Waste no time in finding help. Contact friends, family members, family doctor, clergy, a crisis intervention center, and/or a suicide prevention hotline.
• Let the person know you care. Reassure the person that problems can be solved no matter how hopeless they seem.
• Encourage the individual to continue work or participate in hobbies, sports, or other activities.

  

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com