It can be very difficult to understand why someone has reached the point where they are considering ending their life.
People who contemplate suicide are experiencing intense emotional pain and may view suicide as a way to end this pain. The pain they are feeling may be due to any number of experiences or circumstances. Negative life events can sometimes act as triggers for suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
We don’t fully understand suicidal behaviour, and there are normally a number of factors to consider.
Signs people may be at risk of suicide
While people at risk of suicide may try to hide how they are feeling, they often give out warning signs.
You might notice changes in their behaviour or be aware of events in their life that could be affecting them.
Signs to look for include:
- previous suicide attempt/s
- talking about suicide
- talking about being a burden to others
- talking about feeling trapped or having unbearable pain
- agitation, anxiety and/or irritability
- trouble sleeping
- changes in appearance
- taking time off work
- a recent stressful event or loss
- social withdrawal/feeling alienated
- seeming preoccupied with an internal thought or problem
- self-harm or self-injury.