The warning signs of suicide are:

Eating habits drastically change.
Not eating with noticeable and drastic weight loss, or over eating, with noticeable and drastic weight gain.
 

Individuals giving away personal possessions.
 

Individuals are suddenly happy after a long depression.
 

Individual says they want to die.
 

What are the top two reasons people attempt suicide?

 

1. Relationships

2. Financial

Within two weeks of a recent diagnoses of

terminal or permanent illness.
 

An increase in drug and or alcohol use.

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Previous suicide attempts - Between 2%-50% of people who kill themselves had previously attempted suicide.

Talking about death or suicide - Be alert to statements such as "my family would be better off without me." Sometimes those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away.

Planning for suicide - Suicidal individuals often arrange to put their affairs in order.

Depression - Most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness but often is expressed as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal of activities that have been enjoyable.

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What to do if you think someone is depressed or,

 maybe having suicidal thoughts.

Talk to them about how they are going to kill themselves. You cannot catch suicide and after hearing themselves talk about how they are going to do it, they most likely will change their minds.
 

Do see that they seek some kind of counseling or other professional help as soon as possible.
 

DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE, until after you can get them help.
If person wants to attempt suicide take them to the emergency room if you can.
 

 Call 911 if you can't take them to the emergency room.

 

Stay involved in the treatment process of this temporary illness. The worst thing that you can do is stay away from a person that is feeling like they don't matter. Isolation will increase in a person that is thinking the world would be better off without them.

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A plan that is recommended by Matthew Dovel, the president of ISP, for living a happier and healthier life.
 

1. Food and a good diet. (It is important to eat healthy, for our bodies are like machines. You wouldn't put oil in your cars gas tank, so don't put food that is not healthy in your mouth!)

 

2. Have a buddy. (Everyone needs to have a close friend that they can confide in and should talk with them regularly. The buddy will know right away if something is wrong.)

 

3. Goals and dreams. (Everyone should have a goal list that they can see everyday and be working on. There should be three types of goals: Short-term, median, and long-term. About ten to fifteen goals at any given time is good and when one goal is completed, add a new one. This will give your life direction and help to eliminate feelings of being lost.)

 

4. Feelings have never killed anyone! (Whatever you are feeling, it will pass and only time will help you get through what you are experiencing right now. Journal your thoughts in time of crisis and the next time you feel this way, you will remember how you got through the last situation.)

 

5. Limit your computer and TV time! (Get outside whenever possible and smell the fresh air. We need to have cognitive interaction with others to keep the mind active.)