Suicide has been part of our history for many, many years – yet it seems to be growing, and that growth brings on much anguish for the family and friends who survive. Knowing some of the suicide warning signs can help us be proactive in helping someone in distress.
We family members need to be alert in recognizing depression, which is usually the first phase of someone who might attempt suicide. When we do see depression, we need not say “Snap out of it” or “Look at all you have done that is positive”. Those types of statements don’t help. Instead, we need to see the depression as an opportunity to affirm the feelings but lead the family member to a doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist – for both medications and counseling.
If depression hangs around too long, it turns into despair and hopelessness and is usually affecting all aspects of the person’s life in negative ways. The individual feeling this way has very negative thoughts about themselves and sees no purpose and no way out. It is somewhat of almost a “delusional” reality. But, to the individual with these feelings it is real – it is just not the shared reality.
Individuals can quickly move from hopeless to suicidal ideation. When you hear language that they are saying they are “done” or “finished” or “giving up” and sometimes even tell you they are going to end their lives it is time for a more serious intervention. Especially when they tell you how they will end their lives. This is the time you come on strong with how you feel and let the tears flow – tell of your love for this person and how you would be lost without them. Ask them to seek treatment willingly for you – if they won’t, you might have to call 911 or if there is a therapist involved call 911 and the therapist.
Individuals can be healed, treated and lives turned around with the right combination of treatments, love, care and perseverance. This problem didn’t start quickly, and it will be a journey to health.
Love is doing what is needed, not necessarily what is wanted. If you noticing some suicide warning signs and are concerned about a senior loved one that is suffering, please reach out to our expert team at Eldercare Services for resources and support.