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If someone you know talks about suicide, take them seriously. Comments like "They're better off without me," "I won't have to worry about my life much longer," or "I wish I were dead" are warning signs of desperation. Also, watch for these suicidal signs.
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Spending time alone or not associating with others
- Giving away personal possessions
Suicide prevention "don'ts" include:
- Don't ignore a threat of suicide.
- Don't keep someone's threat of suicide a secret.
- Don't dare or challenge someone who has threatened to commit suicide.
- Don't leave a person alone if they talk about suicide.
What to do instead.
- Ask how the person plans to carry out the suicide. Has he or she acquired a gun or pills?
- Waste no time in finding help. Contact friends, family members, family doctor, clergy, a crisis intervention center, and/or a suicide prevention hotline.
- Let the person know you care. Reassure the person that treatments are available to help him or her work through problems, no matter how hopeless they seem.
- Encourage the individual to continue to work or participate in hobbies, sports, or other activities
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