Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings.
The following information is provided by the American Foundation for Suicide PreventionPrevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.
Warning signs of suicide include:
Observable signs of serious depression:Unrelenting low moodPessimismFeelings of Hopelessness and/or helplessnessDesperationAnxiety, psychic pain and inner tensionWithdrawal from activities that previously afforded pleasureIsolationSleep problemsIrritabilityPhysical complaints: stomach aches, headachesIncreased alcohol and/or other drug useRecent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risksThreatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to dieMaking a plan is a sign:Giving away prized possessionsSudden or impulsive purchase of a firearmObtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medicationsUnexpected rage or angerThe emotional crises that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. One can help prevent suicide through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses.