You always want the best for your loved ones. Caring about someone means helping them through the ups and downs of life. However, it’s not always easy to determine when they need extra help through dark times if they aren’t open about it.
A person’s mental health journey is extremely personal. It also comes with a stigma that may prevent people from opening up about their own challenges. That can include someone who is showing signs of mental health distress, such as suicidal thoughts, but having a difficult time reaching out for support.
It can be scary and sad if you believe your loved one is thinking about ending their life. Knowing the warning signs can help you know when to step in and get them the help they need.
If you believe your loved one is contemplating suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for immediate support.
5 warning signs of suicide to look for in your loved ones
In 2021, more than 48,000 people in the U.S. killed themselves. When someone has taken their own life, we often think about the impact that it’s likely having on their loved ones. It’s impossible to assume that every person who has killed themselves wouldn’t have carried out their suicide if someone noticed the warning signs. However, being able to recognize when your loved one is showing possible signs of suicidal thoughts can potentially get them the help they need to reduce the risk.
When a person is having serious suicidal thoughts or exhibiting behaviors that are aimed toward killing themselves, that’s known as suicidality. Here are five warning signs to look for in a loved one who may be contemplating suicide.
- Social withdrawal — Anyone can be struggling with their mental health, no matter how extroverted or introverted they may seem. However, if a loved one is emotionally and physically distancing themselves from those around them, it could be a sign that they are experiencing suicidality. If they are repeatedly turning down invites for social gatherings or often refusing to leave their room, they may be experiencing feelings such as depression, shame, low self-esteem and rejection. Those feelings can make them want to avoid interacting with others.
- Out-of-character behavior — If you’re paying attention to your loved one enough to pick up on potential warning signs, then you’re likely familiar with their usual behaviors and mannerisms. If they suddenly start acting out of character, they may be experiencing significant mental and emotional distress that could lead to suicide. Behavioral examples that could be warning signs for suicide include lack of hygiene, driving recklessly or acting aggressively toward others.
- Increased substance use — Branching off the previous point, it’s possible that people drinking alcohol or using drugs in a way that’s out of character for them may be a sign of suicidality. It’s worth taking note of the quantity and frequency that a loved one is drinking. Also, any sudden use of substances, especially deadly substances that can lead to an overdose, like opioids, should be taken as a warning sign of significant mental health distress. Increased substance use may be their way of trying to “numb” their mind from negative thoughts.
- Talking about being a burden — Suicidality can stem from many intense negative emotions. It could be caused by feelings of hopelessness, shame and guilt. If a loved one has suddenly started talking negatively about themselves, such as feeling like a burden, they may be experiencing suicidality symptoms. They could deny an invite by saying, “I would just bring everyone down.” They may also brush off any attempts of help, saying things like “I’m not worth the trouble.”
- Extreme mood changes — It’s expected for everyone to feel sad or angry every once in a while. However, sudden changes from positive to negative emotions can be a potential warning sign of a loved one contemplating suicide. If they become suddenly content after feeling sad for an extended period of time, they may be coming to terms with the idea of killing themselves. They may also become highly irritable or have explosive reactions.
Lightfully can help your loved one who is showing warning signs of killing themselves
While recognizing warning signs of suicide in a loved one can be frightening, it should also be your motivation to get them the help they need. Whether they need inpatient treatment to help them through a crisis, or they need outpatient treatment to keep their passive thoughts of suicide from becoming active, the right care can help them see hope for the future.
If your loved one is struggling to manage their suicidal thoughts on their own or they need intensive care to transition after a mental health crisis, such as a suicide attempt, our Lightfully four levels of care can help:
- Residential Treatment Center
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
- Partial Hospitalization Program
Change is possible. When your loved one is ready to take the first step, they can reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.
