Suicide can often be an intimidating or even taboo topic to discuss. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, we at Las Encinas Recovery Center want to raise suicide awareness by making sure you recognize signs of suicide as well as information about how you can help someone at risk.
Signs of Suicide
If you’re worried that someone close to you may be having thoughts of suicide, pay close attention to their behavior and demeanor to recognize potential suicide signs, which can manifest themselves in many forms. More apparent indicators include an overall feeling of hopelessness or a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. People suffering from suicidal thoughts often isolate themselves from the world around them and push friends and family members away.
Other potential signs of suicide may include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Frequent mood swings
- Shame or humiliation
- Expressing a lack of purpose
- Feeling like a burden to those around them
- Aggression
- Increased drug and alcohol abuse
How You Can Help
When you’re worried that someone close to you may be suffering from thoughts of suicide, it can be difficult to know how best to help them. Paying close attention to the signs of suicide is a great place to start. Although it’s a difficult conversation to have, you should ask your loved one if they’ve been dealing with suicidal thoughts. Listening with intent and acknowledging their feelings is a great way to show your sincere love for them. If your loved one is indeed having thoughts of suicide, the best way to help them is to guide them to the professional care they need.
Sometimes our loved ones need an intervention to confront their self-destructive behaviors. Contact Las Encinas today if you believe your family member or friend is in need of crisis intervention.
Las Encinas Solutions
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you don’t have to face it alone. Las Encinas Recovery Center is an acute psychiatric facility located in Pasadena, CA. Las Encinas offers highly structured and comprehensive mental health care programs and is recognized as a top hospital for inpatient psychiatric care. Our specialized treatment programs are designed for adults ages 18 and up. We also offer a unique college student program, along with several other options for outpatient care.
Contact Las Encinas Hospital for professional mental health services. For more information about our programs and services or to schedule an assessment, call (626) 795-9901.
