Recognising the signs
Suffering is not always visible. Even so, most people who are thinking about suicide show warning signs.
These signs may appear in their conversations or behaviour or even through what they publish on social networks.
If you notice one or more of these warning signs - particularly if the signs are new, if they become intensified or if they come after a difficult event (loss, break-up of a relationship, illness, etc.) - it is important to talk about them and seek help.
Call the emergency services on 112 or the helpline 45 45 45 if a person:
- talks about death or suicide,
- has a scenario worked out,
- is actively seeking ways of self-harming (weapons, medicines, online searches),
- says that he or she has "no reason to go on living" or feels completely desperate.
Recognising the signs
Someone close to us may show some of these signs:
- putting their affairs in order, saying goodbye to people,
- withdrawing, avoiding friends or family,
- acting unwisely or dangerously,
- losing interest or pleasure in things they once cared about,
- talking about wanting to die,
- becoming unusually aggressive,
- expressing feelings of worthlessness or being a burden,
- presenting clear signs of a depressive state,
- consuming more alcohol or drugs,
- experiencing sudden mood changes,
- suffering from anxiety or agitation,
- suffering from serious sleep disturbances.
Signs specific to different ages
In older people
- an inability of the person to look after themself,
- depression or aimlessness,
- preoccupation with death,
- failure to obey instructions on care or medical treatment,
- increased consumption of alcohol/medicines,
- putting one's affairs in order,
- saying goodbye to loved ones,
- seeking out ways of self-harming.
In young people
- sudden personality changes,
- loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed,
- social withdrawal, isolation,
- neglect of personal appearance,
- risky behaviour (driving, challenges, etc.),
- complaints about recurrent physical pain,
- consumption of alcohol or drugs,
- giving away or throwing away important personal objects.
Do not forget
The signs are not always visible. Some people are good at hiding them. Sometimes, too, we do not notice them because we are too involved or we do not know what to observe.
Training in suicide prevention makes it easier to spot these signs and to know what to do.