Protective Factors Against Suicide

This article is the third in a series developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Illinois Chapter, for THE RAP SHEET. These research-informed reports are intended to provide MAP members with facts about mental wellness and suicide prevention. The more you know, the easier it will be to talk about these health issues and take appropriate action to help yourself and others.

This article is the third in a series developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Illinois Chapter, for THE RAP SHEET. These research-informed reports are intended to provide MAP members with facts about mental wellness and suicide prevention. The more you know, the easier it will be to talk about these health issues and take appropriate actions to help yourself and others.

Recap: Our first article discussed risk factors for suicide: health, historical, and environmental. Our second article addressed protective factors against suicide, both in general and specifically for public safety officers, including ways to limit access to lethal means.

Learn Suicide’s Warning Signs

Warning signs are observable signs that signal suicidal risk in the near future.

It is important to pay attention to both the longer-term risk factors discussed earlier and the warning signs we are talking about now.

Watch for the warning signs, in yourself and others. If you see warning signs, reach out to individuals in your life you’re concerned about, and reach out to others if you’re struggling.

There are three general types of warning signs: Talk, Behavior, and Mood.

(1) TALK

• About ending their life

• Having no reason to live

• Being a burden to others

• Feeling trapped, seeing no way out of their situation

• Being in unbearable pain

Listen carefully to what people say (or, in your own case, how you feel). Many people who are suicidal talk about ending their lives. This talk may be direct or indirect. A person might say it outright, or they might joke about it. Either way, take any talk about suicide seriously.

Some people say that they have no or little reason to live.

Others may say things that let you know that they feel trapped, or that they are a burden to their family, friends, or co-workers.

Or they might talk about feeling overwhelmed, in despair, or being in unbearable pain.

(2) BEHAVIOR

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Issues with sleep

• Acting recklessly

• Isolating from family and friends

• Looking for a way to kill themselves

• Giving away possessions

People who are thinking about suicide can display certain behaviors. They may begin drinking alcohol or using drugs (over-thecounter, prescription or illicit) or increase their usage of alcohol or drugs.

They may have trouble sleeping, either experiencing insomnia or sleeping too much.

They may start disregarding their own safety or that of others.

They might withdraw from activities, especially from activities they have enjoyed in the past. Relatedly, they may isolate themselves from family and friends.

They might look for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for methods or shopping for a new firearm.

They may also begin giving away possessions or, conversely, begin reckless spending.

(3) MOOD

• Depression

• Apathy

• Rage

• Irritability

• Impulsivity

• Humiliation

• Anxiety

People at heightened risk for suicide can display – often quite subtly – any of these moods. We all have ups and downs in our mood, but when you notice a change that seems uncharacteristic or concerning, this may be a warning sign for suicide. For example, sudden, unexplained happiness can indicate the individual has decided on a plan to end their life and is relieved that they will no longer be in emotional and/or physical pain.

The Bottom Line

Talk, behavior, mood: there are a lot of warning signs to watch for. But most importantly, look for changes in these characteristics. For example, if a person is typically outgoing but now withdraws, that may be a warning sign. Or if a person who is typically reserved now acts rashly or angrily, that may be a warning sign.

Trust your instincts . . . even if you don’t like or find it difficult to believe what your instincts are telling you.

What to Do If There Are Warning Signs

REACH OUT!

Have a brave conversation. Speak in private to the person about what you are noticing. And if you notice these kinds of changes in behavior in yourself, seek help for yourself. Here’s a rule of thumb: if you are wondering if someone is depressed or overly anxious, that’s a sure indication that you should reach out. Same goes for you. If you are having suicidal thoughts, that’s a sure indication you need to seek help for yourself.

Don’t give up! If you have reached out before, reach out again. The first time the person may not be receptive – keep trying.

And even if suicide turns out not be a concern, they may still be in distress, and they may feel comforted and supported just by knowing you care and are taking the time to listen.

Finally, assume you are the only one who is going to reach out. In too many instances, people talked about their concern for someone amongst themselves, but hesitated to reach out to the person directly. If you believe you’re not the best person to reach out, notify someone closer to the individual or a professional who may be better suited to this kind of outreach. And then follow up to make sure they talked with that individual.

Next Issue: Most effective ways to help someone exhibiting suicide warning signs, as well as suicide among various demographics, including children and adolescents, middle-aged White males, and people of color. For further information, visit afsp.org. If you need immediate assistance, please call or text 988.