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Suicide

It is not always easy to detect the warning signs of a suicidal crisis because they may be discreet or deliberately hidden.

What are the signs that should alert us to the existence of suicidal thoughts? 

People often avoid talking explicitly about their suicidal thoughts for fear of disturbing others, out of shame or guilt.

However, certain signs may indicate suicidal thoughts: 

•  when signs of suffering are numerous, affect different areas of someone's life and there is an abrupt change in behaviour (sadness, despair, anger, alcohol consumption, low class attendance, etc.).
• when the person makes explicit or indirect statements about death or suicide:

What are the warning signs of an imminent risk of suicide? 

Certain words or behaviours should immediately raise a red flag, such as verbalizing the desire or thought of hurting or taking one's own life. In addition, if the person :

•     Unusually puts personal belongings in order (gives away personal belongings, pet, etc.).
•     Learns about suicide methods or acquires lethal means
•     Talks about a suicidal scenario (date, time frame, means of committing suicide)
•     Says goodbye
•     Seems to be going through or causing unexplained friendship and family breakdowns

These signs indicate that suicide is being considered, is imminent and that it is urgent to act.

Suicidal risk is considered to be higher if:

•     You have attempted suicide in the past.
•     There have been suicide attempts or suicides in your family.
•     Someone close to you has recently attempted suicide.
•     You have been abused (physically, psychologically or sexually) during childhood.
•     You have a high consumption of alcohol or drugs.
•     You suffer from isolation (relational, emotional or socio-professional).
•     You have a tendency to be impulsive.
•     You suffer from a mental illness (mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, etc.).
•     You are going through a difficult time in your life (school or professional difficulties, friendships or relationships, health problems, traumatic events, etc.).
•     You suffer from a chronic illness (epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc.).

If you are thinking about suicide, if you are going through difficult life events, painful emotions or thoughts, don't carry this on your own. You may feel that you will not be understood or helped, or that you do not deserve this attention, that it is not worth it. But it is.

Talk about it as soon as possible (to a doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, someone you're comfortable with, the school nurse): you will see that you can find help, that you can be heard, respected and relieved from this pain. You will see that you are not alone and that you will not be judged.

To find out more, click here.

If you are worried about a loved one who is not doing well, we offer resources and tools to help you support your friend, step by step, and be there for them if they have suicidal thoughts.