Are You Suicidal?

What if that suicidal "someone" is you?

Almost everyone toys with the thought of suicide at some time in his or her life. For most of us, the thought is born in a moment of pain, despair or rage that soon passes. But the threat of descent into what was previously described as “suicidal trance” makes it imperative to recognize the signs of serious suicidal ideation in yourself as well as others. They include:

• Inability to stop the pain
• Inability to think clearly
• Inability to make decisions
• Seeing no way out
• Inability to sleep or eat
• Endless depression or sadness
• Sense of worthlessness
• Belief that nothing will change
• Feelings of isolation and inability to gain the attention of others
• Feeling that life is out of your control. [21]

If you are experiencing several of the feelings in this list, SEEK HELP! If you recognize these feelings in someone else, OFFER HELP! Possible sources include:

• Community mental health agencies
• School counselors or psychologists
• Suicide/crisis intervention centers
• A psychologist or psychiatrist
• Family physician
• Clergy