How do you know if you are suicidal?

Suicide is one of the main causes of death in France (about 10,000 deaths per year). Those affected often leave clues about their suicide attempt. How do you know if you have suicidal tendencies? Are there any warning signs foreshadowing a passage to the act? Find out if you are suicidal or if someone around you is by following these instructions. Discover the symptoms of a suicidal crisis. How does this psychic crisis that leads to suicide manifest itself?

Summary

attempted suicide, manifestations and symptoms

Withdrawal

Several symptoms associated with each other testify to a suicidal crisis. A change in behavior in a person must alert those around him. These may be suicidal thoughts or suicidal intentions. The person who wishes to end his life can be subject to despair as well as to a psychic suffering of great intensity. This is often accompanied by cynicism or even a taste for the morbid, as well as isolation and withdrawal. A person suffering from a suicidal crisis rejects help from loved ones as if they were undergoing emotional anesthesia.

Attention and eating disorders

Other disorders may also occur. In addition to a certain boredom and sadness, the suicidal person sometimes has difficulty falling asleep as well as trouble concentrating when it is not a question of memory loss.

Eating disorders are also red flags. Among them, a loss of appetite, or on the contrary, overeating (bulimia).

Contexts of vulnerability

Certain contexts of vulnerability also favor the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. It can be depression, but also addiction such as alcoholism or drug addiction. Serious illnesses such as cancer or very painful events also lead some subjects to suicide.

A burn out professional can also be the cause of suicidal thoughts. The person is then confronted with obstacles of a professional nature which seem insurmountable to him.

An obsession with death

Finally, the person demonstrates in some cases a sudden interest, even obsessive, for everything related to death. She is also looking to get a gun or medicine.

Be vigilant in the event of a sudden lull. This may suggest a passage to the act in a short time. The person may have found a way to kill themselves, resulting in a sense of relief. Question the person to find out the reasons for this sudden improvement.

Recognizing a suicidal crisis in an adolescent

Teenagers are the first to be affected by suicide attempts. Certain symptoms prove to be harbingers of a suicidal crisis. Its manifestations are in line with the age of the subject.

The most common warning signs of a suicide attempt are:

several runaways;
great anxiety characterized by hyperactivity. This occurs suddenly;
violence directed against himself or others;
poor school results;
eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia;
dangerous, so-called risky behavior (hypersexuality, for example);
estrangement from family life.

A difficult context can also lead a teenager to suicide (breakup, family problems, etc.).

What to do if you have suicidal thoughts?

In case of dark thoughts, you have to react quickly! Don’t let desperation guide your actions. At first, it is essential to ask for the support of those around you. On the other hand, it is important to go and see a doctor. The professional will be better able to help you.

Make an appointment with a GP or psychologist. A treatment adapted to your symptoms will be proposed to you. In any case, do not remain alone with your negative thoughts.

There are also specialized services such as Suicide Ecoute at 01.45.39.40.00, available continuously. You can also contact the association by email (contact@suicide-ecoute.fr). A response will be sent to you within 48 hours.

In case of emergency, dial 15 to be connected with the SAMU, or 112 (national emergency number).

How to behave with a suicidal person?

Getting the person to talk remains the first step to take. Show him your support by reminding him that you are there for him. The person in a suicidal crisis must feel that they are not alone in their despair.

Discussing also allows you to analyze the situation and detect the warning signs. If the situation seems alarming to you, contact a health professional or an emergency number without delay. If necessary, call 15 (SAMU).

In any case, it is necessary to remain calm and in control of yourself. Accompany the person in a suicidal crisis to put them back on the right track. Find with her the best solutions so that she can get out of it.

Please note, your role as a companion is essential, but does not replace the advice of a doctor. Contact the competent structures so that the suicidal person can be followed. If this crisis situation also has an impact on you, seek psychological help. Indeed, a suicidal crisis in a loved one also impacts the morale of caregivers.