Suicide Prevention is important for everyone. We here at Plantation Psychological Associates strive to make you and your families lives better by taking the initiative and showing you preventative measures anyone can take to help their family and friends. Seeing signs of self harm may be difficult at times, but there are warning signs to look for.
Suicide Prevention Information
The American Psychological Association notes the following warning signs of suicide:
- Talking About Dying: any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, shooting oneself or other types of self harm.
- Recent Loss: through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of interest in friends, hobbies or activities previously enjoyed.
- Change in Personality: sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic.
- Changes in Behavior: can’t concentrate on school, work or routine tasks.
- Change in Sleep Patterns: insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, or nightmares.
- Changes in Eating Habits: loss of appetite and weight, or overeating.
- Fear of losing control: acting erratically, harming self or others.
- Low self esteem: feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, “everyone would be better off without me.”
- No hope for the future: believing things will never get better, or that nothing will ever change.
Suicide Prevention Help
We have doctors available if you see any warning signs in family members or friends, or if you yourself need to just talk to someone. Feel free to reach out to the office. We understand that patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Taking the first step is always difficult, but maybe it will be the best thing you can do for loved ones. It is always better to do something seemingly unnecessary or difficult, than to pretend there is no problem at all.
