Completed Suicides have increased by 30% since 1999. Suicide is among the top 3 causes of death for teens. First Responders are more likely to die by suicide than in a line of duty.
Pain and shame are two of the biggest drivers of suicide. Often the suicidal person is just wanting the pain to stop or they fear that things are never going to get better. Shame conveys a sense of unworthiness and hopeless. Especially if they have made a mistake, they believe that they are never going to get past the mistake.
Warning signs include:
Talking about wanting to die
Searching for a way to kill themselves
Feeling hopeless
Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
Changes in sleep patterns
Withdrawing or isolating
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Having extreme mood swings
But there is hope. There is a way out of the darkness.
Here are some resources for suicidal ideation:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/facts-about-suicide/
