by Mona Gallagher

Created on: July 17, 2007

Alarming statistics for suicide and suicidal tendencies exist in certain segments of the U.S. population. But, these people are not statistics. They're our friends, our loved ones and our acquaintances who give meaning and enrich our lives just by being alive.

Personality change, isolation and withdrawal are red flags for signs of suicidal tendency. This is especially true of the elderly and younger population. Many elderly can disappear from social life without even being noticed. People of all ages who prefer isolation and withdrawal are at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

A death of a friend or peer can lead another person to consider suicide. One in four teens think about, or consider, committing suicide in their lifetime. A preoccupation of death, speaking about suicide, giving away personal belongings and withdrawal from family and friends are some of the general warnings for people of all ages.

Depression and anxiety, financial woes and even use of antidepressants can lead to suicidal tendencies. If a friend or loved one, speaks of suicide; take it very seriously and urge them to call for help. If it's your child, you call for help immediately! This one act can save a life

Other signs include, physical pain or fatigue that has no physical basis such as stomach pain, headache, and backache. Abusive family life, Parents with substance abuse or depression, inappropriate guilt and rejection of praise are other signs.

An FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advisory cautions "parents to monitor children and observe people on antidepressants for personality and behavior changes." Children especially are at risk at the start of certain antidepressant medication. Watch for behavioral changes in people of all ages.

Their are situations that can trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Substance abuse, inability to interact socially (or rejection), disruptive or violent family life and history of sexual abuse are triggers that can lead to suicide. Parents who have unrealistic expectations for their child may push the child into a hopeless situation.

Suicide is the final curtain and there are no second chances to spot suicidal signs in a friend or loved one. It behooves us to learn to spot and recognize the signs and intervene whenever we see the signs and symptoms.

Resources:
http://medicinenet.com

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