Signs that someone is suicidal and how to help- by Addien ap Rees

To start off, take this post with a grain of salt. There are definitely more red flags and warning signs that someone is suicidal and not all apply to everyone, but it’s good to keep these in mind if you are concerned about someone.

- obsession with death

- buying weapons: if you know someone who is already a bit “unstable” and doesn’t seem to be doing well and doesn’t have great mental health, buying weapons such as guns, knives/razors, or even rope can be a big red flag and should be noted 

- unhealthy and risky habits: breaking laws, doing drugs, anything to help them “escape from reality”

- specific key words/jokes “wish I were dead” “I don’t want to be here anymore” 

- giving away special items: ex- a necklace that’s important to them “something to remember them by” 

- writing notes/talking using past tense “you were always so kind to me” 

- “going ghost”/ cutting everyone off to completely to isolate themselves to try and make their “passing” easier on themselves and others 

- acting out of character: angrier, more despondent/stoic, sadder

- posting dark things- blood, razors, weapons, dark quotes, etc.

- dissociation 

- feeling sick

- feeling exhausted 

- self harm: *not everyone who self harms is suicidal and not all suicidal people self harm*

if you are concerned about someone, first try reaching out to them to see how they are doing and to let them know that you are there for them. If they don’t respond well (ex- lashing out, not responding, etc.) and you are still concerned, it’s always best to contact trusted adult. This could be a counselor (school, therapist, etc.), a trusted teacher, or any other adult. One major thing to keep in mind is to not contact the other persons parents because this could make things much worse for the other person. For example, the person you are worried about could have a strained or toxic relationship with their parents which could become dangerous for them. Another very important thing to keep in mind is to not let this affect your life in any major way. You are not responsible for anyone’s life, and you are not responsible for doing anything and everything to keep others alive. It’s not your task/job, it’s the job of a professionals which you are not. There is a difference between being there for someone and straining yourself by having to make sure they stay alive.