Everyone plays an important role in preventing suicide. If you think someone in your life may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are things you can do to support them. It\u2019s also important to recognize your limits and care for your own well-being. Here, Kids Help Phone shares information about warning signs, tips for helping a friend and ways you can care for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of hopelessness and\/or suicidal thoughts, it\u2019s important to remember that help is available. You can connect with Kids Help Phone\u2019s <\/strong>professional counsellors<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>volunteer crisis responders<\/strong><\/a> for 24\/7 mental health support. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also call or text 9-8-8, a 24\/7 confidential national suicide crisis helpline for support.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n Thoughts of suicide can be expressed in many different ways and are unique to each person\u2019s experience. While the majority of people who die by suicide show warning signs ahead of time, many people don\u2019t recognize them because of stigma, misinformation and a lack of education around suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A drastic change in mood or behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A sudden change in someone\u2019s mood or behaviour may be an indicator that something isn\u2019t right. This can present in a number of ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may also notice that they seem unusually or especially irritated, angry, desperate, annoyed or don\u2019t seem to care about anything. If a friend or someone you know is behaving in a way that concerns or worries you, there are things you can do to support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thoughts and feelings expressing helplessness or hopelessness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A person having thoughts of suicide may genuinely believe that death or dying is the only way to solve difficulties or challenges they\u2019re facing. It\u2019s important to remember that someone who talks about ending their life doesn\u2019t necessarily want to die, but wants to express that they\u2019re struggling with intense pain. Talking about suicide may be one way someone is reaching out for help. You may recognize these thoughts and feelings in phrases like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thoughts of suicide look and feel different for everyone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of these signs alone (a change in mood or behavior, expressions of hopelessness or helplessness, thoughts that death is the only way to fix something) doesn\u2019t automatically mean that a person will have thoughts of suicide. It\u2019s also possible for someone to experience thoughts of suicide and not have any of these signs. As a supporter and friend, learning about these signs and phrases of concern can help alert you that someone in your life might need additional support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can learn more about the reasons why a person might develop thoughts of suicide here<\/a>. For more information about spotting warning signs of suicide, check out the video below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n How can I tell if someone is having thoughts of suicide?<\/h2>\n\n\n
Some warning signs of suicide include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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