It’s a scenario that has become tragically common: a friend, family member, or colleague who seemed happy and full of life takes their own life, leaving loved ones shocked and asking, “What did I miss?” The truth is, the signs of suicidal ideation are not always as clear as we might think. While we often look for overt cries for help, some of the most critical warning signs are far more subtle.
It's important to distinguish between risk factors and warning signs. Risk factors are characteristics that might make someone more vulnerable to suicide, such as a history of depression, substance abuse, or a family history of suicide. Warning signs, on the other hand, are immediate red flags that suggest someone is in crisis.
This September, for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, let's look beyond the obvious and learn to recognize some of the more subtle, and often overlooked, warning signs of suicide.
Three Overlooked Warning Signs of Suicide
- A Sudden, Miraculous Improvement in Mood: If someone who has been struggling with depression, or has been going through a difficult time, suddenly seems inexplicably happy and at peace, it might not be a sign of recovery. This abrupt shift in mood could indicate that they have made the decision to end their life and feel a sense of relief that their suffering will soon be over.
- Unusual Generosity: A person who is contemplating suicide may start giving away their prized possessions, large sums of money, or other valuable items. In retrospect, loved ones may realize that there was a pattern of these "donations" in the time leading up to the suicide. While it is not uncommon for elderly individuals to start giving things away, it should not be dismissed, especially if they have other risk factors. Elderly men are at a particularly high risk for suicide.
- A Sudden Interest in "Getting Their Affairs in Order": If a person, especially if it seems out of character or oddly timed, suddenly becomes preoccupied with estate planning, life insurance, or pre-planning a funeral, it could be a sign that they are preparing for their own death.
Trust Your Instincts and Take Action
It is crucial to be vigilant and pay attention to any changes in a person's behavior that strike you as strange, especially if they have recently experienced a stressful event or are dealing with a chronic illness or pain. If you notice any of these warning signs, or if your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to act. It's always better to be safe and have a false alarm than to be left wondering if you could have done more.
