Suicide is increasing at an alarming rate among young people. While it’s tricky to spot suicidal behavior in a stranger, spotting it in your loved ones is not that difficult. 

Some causes are chronic pain, terminal illness, and addiction. Suicide rates are higher in males, people living in rural areas, and those who abuse alcohol or drugs. 

Many people change drastically when thinking about making such a decision, and if you monitor them, you will quickly understand what is happening. While most common signs include depression, a feeling of hopelessness or withdrawal, and isolation, there are some less obvious suicide warnings as well.

• Sudden withdrawal from friends and activities may signal danger.
• Reckless behavior can indicate suicidal thoughts.
• Giving away belongings can be a warning sign.
• Increased substance use often accompanies suicidal thoughts.
• A calm demeanor after emotional turmoil can be a red flag.
• A change in sleep patterns, such as insomnia, is common.
• Discussing death or wishing to not be alive can point to suicidal ideation.

Please read below to learn all about them.

Changes in behavior are expected from a suicidal person, but many people ignore these signs because it resembles those of depression or insomnia. For instance, someone who is usually calm may become aggressive, whereas someone who is sad lately may suddenly seem calm and happy. Some other changes include unusual mood swings, abuse of substances, and more. 

These signs must not be ignored, as they can prove lethal.

People also get detached from life, feel emotionally drained, and become distant from activities, people, and themselves. Being calm and indifferent when the situation gets challenging and emotional is a sign of suicidal behavior. 

It would help if you spotted such a change in behavior since it is a symptom of depression and bipolar disorder. Similarly, people struggling with suicidal thoughts may lose interest in work, home, and activities they usually enjoy. 

If you feel that someone you know is emotionally distancing himself from social activities, you need to reach out to them. 

Let them know you are always there to listen to them. Try to involve them in social activities to bring them back to life.

Another sign of depression is a shift in sleeping patterns. A person feeling suicidal may sleep more and struggle to leave their bed. Sometimes it is the opposite because people also experience the feeling of insomnia and stay up all night long and work the next day. 

If you notice a change in the sleeping pattern, it is a cause of concern and must be addressed immediately. Keeping a close eye on your loved ones is very important, especially if they are going through a difficult phase in their life. 

Another potential sign of suicidal thoughts is buying lethal things such as a gun, poison, or even stocking on pills. If a loved one tells you they bought a gun, you must not ignore it but ask them why they need it and when they will use it. Monitor them to ensure their safety. Such questions will let you know their intentions and if they mention their purposes of using it on themselves, contact a therapist or suicide prevention hotline immediately.

 However, pills can be easier to hide, and if you suspect someone close to you has bought pills for suicide, search their bags or drawers. 

Many people may find this advice a breach of privacy, but privacy is no longer critical when it is a matter of life and death. Watch your loved one’s close and notice tiny details to ensure they remain safe. 

Even though you have learned all about spotting suicidal intentions, you must also know about the situations that lead to them. Sometimes it is easy to spot suicidal behavior, but it is not always the case. 

There are three different factors: relationship factors, individual factors, and community or societal factors. Most people end their life because of the following elements.

Losing a friend or family member through suicide can be a traumatic experience and can even lead to suicidal thoughts. Due to this reason, looking out for such behavior and focusing on their moods, personality, and appearance changes can save lives. 

People always show symptoms before taking such a big decision. One must always pay attention to any changes in the behavior of the loved ones to help save their life. Sometimes an individual might feel that their life is worthless and meaningless.

 Talking to them and telling them their life’s worth is very important. Never ignore someone’s suicidal behavior, as it can prove lethal.