Know the Signs of Suicide

by | Alcohol and Drug Abuse

At Focused Recovery of New mexico here in Alburquerque, we see many individuals who have extremely suicidal tendencies and ideations.

Did you know that according to the International Association of Suicide Research, suicide rates have increased by 3% every year since 2005 worldwide.

These frightening numbers are just one of the many topics discussed at this years World Suicide Congress in Montreal, Quebec.  Many of the worlds leading experts on suicide discussed the many ways to prevent this tragic event from occurring in such great numbers.

One of the main elements that was focused on at the congress was the need for more and more education on prevention.

The key to prevention experts say is knowing the signs of a suicidal person and recognizing these signs before it is too late to provide support to the individual.

12 Signs To Watch For

Suicidal behaviors are often very obvious, but for some people, these tendencies are exhibited in very subtle and often unnoticed behaviors.

Here, I have outlined some of the signs that someone you know may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

If you notice any of these behaviors in someone you care about it is crucial that you reach out or find a professional that can reach out to them to provide them the support they need.

  • Sudden mood changes

  • Neglecting personal appearance

  • Reckless behavior

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Withdrawn demeanor

  • Increase in physical ailments or pain

  • Giving away precious belongings

  • Increased use of drugs or alcohol

  • Talking about death or wanting to die

  • Angry outbursts

  • Self harming behaviors such as cutting or scarring

  • Purchases of weapons or items that may be used to harm

These are just some of the behaviors that may point to someone who is feeling suicidal or experiencing suicidal tendencies.

If you think that someone you know may be feeling this way reach out to your local health authority or emergency mental health services to get the information needed to reach out and provide this person the help they need.

How This Relates To Alcoholism

New studies coming out are indicating that alcohol is a leading contributor to suicide in the United States.

Therefore, it is not surprising that between 2001 and 2005 in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 7235 deaths and 242,456 years of potential life lost resulting from alcohol-attributable suicides.

Alcohol may be related to suicidal behavior through risk conferred by chronic drinking and associated problems as well as through the acute effects of alcohol on impulsivity, emotionality, interpersonal conflict, and judgment during suicidal crises.

The need to consider acute effects of alcohol is supported by research. Studies show that acute use of alcohol is common prior to suicidal behavior and is a potent risk factor for suicidal behavior after accounting for other variables related to drinking including alcohol use disorder, drinking pattern, and alcohol availability.

The direct correlation between suicide and alcoholism can not be denied. Please don’t wait until it is too late.

We’re here to help.

~Paul