Most everyone at some time in his or her life will experience periods of anxiety, sadness, and despair. These are normal reactions to the pain of loss, rejection, or disappointment we humans are often dragged through those with serious mental illnesses. However`, often experience much more extreme reactions, that can leave them mired in hopelessness. When all hope is lost, some feel that suicide is -the only solution. It isn’t. Suicide is never the answer. Many teen deaths are caused by suicide. Statistics show that suicide is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

There are many signs of suicide but many of them go unnoticed. Doctors and physiologist have done many studies and found that suicide is caused by the loss of a family member, disappointment, rejection, failure, or loss such as breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, or witnessing a family turmoil. The majority of the people that commit or even think about suicide have a mental or a sub-related disorder, they often have trouble copping with severe small problems. People that are “Suicidal” are often unable to see that their life can turn around; they are unable to recognize that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Some signs of suicide are as follows:

"Suicide Prevention." Suicide Prevention. March 13th, 2006. San Francisco Suicide Prevention.. 19 Feb 2008 .

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Talking About Dying -- any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, shooting oneself, or other types of self-harm.

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Recent Loss -- through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of religious faith, loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed

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Change in Personality -- sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic

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Change in Behavior -- can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks

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Change in Sleep Patterns -- insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, nightmares

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Change in Eating Habits -- loss of appetite and weight, or overeating

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Diminished Sexual Interest -- impotence, menstrual abnormalities (often missed periods)

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Fear of losing control -- going crazy, harming self or others

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Low self esteem -- feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, "everyone would be better off without me"

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No hope for the future -- believing things will never get better; that nothing will ever change

Many of these signs go unrecognized. It is very crucial that one pays attention to these symptoms. A person’s life could depend on it.

How to Help

Since people who are contemplating suicide feel alone and that nobody cares, the most important thing to do is to make it clear that you are there for them and you care about them. The next thing you could do is notify an adult. Never leave a suicidal person by themselves it this gives them the perfect incentive to kill themselves when you are not there. Call an adult or a hot line; there are many hotlines out there to help. Bringing up the question of suicide and discussing it without showing shock or disapproval is one of the most helpful things you can do. This openness shows that you are taking the individual seriously and responding to the severity of his or her distress.

If you do find that your friend or loved one is contemplating suicide, it is essential to help him or her find immediate professional care.

Suicide Helplines

National Suicide Hotlines

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1-800-950-NAMI [6264]

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1-800-784-2433

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1-800-273-8255

Local Colorado Springs Helplines

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(719) 635-7000