Losing a friend or family member to suicide can be a very traumatic experience and can stay with you for your entire life. People who have lost someone close to them keep asking questions such as “Wish we could’ve done something to stop him/her.” 

If this is something you never want to ask yourself, then you must keep a close eye on your loved ones and learn how to prevent them from throwing away their life. 

• People with suicidal thoughts may not always show clear signs, making it important to stay attentive.
• Social connection and a strong support network are essential for mental well-being.
• Studies show that most individuals who survive suicide attempts do not attempt again.
• Men are at higher risk of completing suicide, while women are more likely to attempt.
• Creating an open conversation about mental health can significantly reduce stigma.
• Pets and animals can play a crucial role in providing emotional support for those in distress.

Below are some tips to learn about suicidal behavior and how to deal with it, so keep on reading and keep your loved one’s safe. 

The first thing you need to know when dealing with a suicidal friend or family member is to understand what exactly suicide is. Suicide is not a mental illness but a severe consequence of mental conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and more. Many eating disorders even lead to suicide.

If you know someone struggling with any of these disorders, help them overcome them before they become lethal.

You need to look out for some suicide warning signs as well to figure out if this is something bothering your loved ones. Some potential signs of suicide include:

Crying continuously on small things or long-lasting sadness shows depression and can lead to suicidal thoughts. 

 Undergoing sudden mood swings or unexpected rage is another sign of suicide.

 Many people struggling with these issues have sleep problems and insomnia.

Choosing to avoid friends, being alone, and having a dysfunctional social life are symptoms of depression and the main reason for suicide. When a person secludes himself and loses interest in daily activities they previously enjoyed, you need to be cautious because it is a hazardous suicidal sign. 

 If a person dealing with bipolar disorder or depression suddenly becomes calm, this can be a sign that he is ready to end his life.

 If you notice marks and cuts on a person’s arm or find them engaging in reckless driving, abusing alcohol and drugs, engaging in harmful activities can show that the person no longer cares about his life.

A person with suicidal thoughts may not pay much attention to their behavior, attitude, and appearance, so you might find them different. They will speak slowly and may not maintain their outlook.

Another common sign is that people considering suicide will put everything in order. They may visit friends and family more frequently. They will give out their possessions, clean up their home and room, and write down their will. 

Keep an eye out on their purchases and look for items such as poison, rope, or firearms.

Crises such as losing a pet or a loved one can even trigger a suicide attempt. Some even get such thoughts after losing a job, a significant illness, or having troubled relationships.

Most people considering suicide give warning signs to their loved ones. Now, these warning signs won’t be direct, but they will discuss suicide, talk about how things would be better if they weren’t alive, and even wish they could die. 

These hints may come up in everyday conversations, so keep an eye out for your loved ones who are struggling. 

People who have made up their minds can be moved, but only if you guide them in the right direction. People often try to change their minds by telling them that their family members care about them, but this tactic is not correct. 

Suicidal victims usually take their life because they don’t find them worth living, so letting them know that their life matters, that they matter, and how important they are to the world can help change their minds. 

Dealing with the loss of a loved one through suicide can be extremely difficult, so try to look for their signs and symptoms and prevent it as much as you can. 

Many depressed people are hiding behind happy faces. We must learn to read the reg flags as early as possible to prevent the loss of lives.