There are four other signals that should be taken particularly seriously because they are:
Suicide Danger Signals
- Threats or talk of killing themselves.
- Preparing for death - giving away prized possessions, making a will, writing farewell letters, gathering pills, or saying good-bye.
- Talking like there is no hope even in the future.
- Acting or talking like not a single person cares; completely giving up on themselves and others.
Remember CLUES - Five Action Steps to Help a Troubled Person
| C | Connect. Make contact. Reach out, talk to them. Notice their pain. |
| L | Listen. Take the time and really pay attention. You don't have to have all the answers. Just listen. |
| U | Understand. Nod, pay attention, let them know you appreciate what they are going through. |
| E | Express Concern. Say that you care, you are worried, and you want to be helpful. |
| S | Seek Help. Tell them you want to go with them to talk to a third person, preferably an adult with experience and the ability to help. Don't agree to be secretive. Enlarge the circle of support. |
Dos And Don'ts If A Person Threatens Suicide
Take the threat seriously. Insist on getting help. If they don't agree to help themselves, then you need to go to someone who can help.
Do not agree to keep suicide thoughts or threats a secret.Keeping the secret won't help the person. And you cannot bear the responsibility if they do hurt or kill themselves.
Don't try to call their bluff. It may not be one. Reinforce the fact that you care about them and insist they get help.
Let them know you care they are alive.
Being A Helping Friend
It is important to remember that you cannot be responsible for another person's actions when they are stressed, depressed, or suicidal. Whether they are crying out for help or suffering silently in despair, only they can help themselves. What you can do is be the most caring and responsible friend possible during the hard times. This means listening to their concerns, supporting them, and helping them get skilled help from a trusted and capable adult friend.
