WARNING SIGNS CONT.:
Madelyn Gould, PhD, a professor of clinical epidemiology in psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, in New York City, says that excessive and inappropriate feelings of guilt—a common symptom of depression and anxiety—are something to be on the lookout for as well. "You start to feel guilty about things—letting people down—and someone else who's listening would say, 'But you're not,'" says Gould. "It's just this very unrealistic guilt.
Giving Away Their Possessions
Everyone gives things away here and there, but usually they don't give expensive items or items they may need in the future. When someone is suicidal they often give away stuff that they will not need when they die. Some people see it as closure and think it will help their grieving friends and family.
Sometimes when someone is suicidal their sleeping patterns can become off. This isn't due to an underlying sleeping disorder - this can be due to stress and restless thoughts. If someone is tired more often, or cannot fall asleep at night, talk to them. See if they are stressed out, and try to help.
Low Energy
Low energy can be a symptom of depression. If someone is tired all the time, or they no longer have the motivation to do things they once loved, they might be suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts.
Body Language
This is a very general sign. Paired with other signs this could indicate that someone is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts. Some body language you should look out for is: slumped shoulders, staring at the ground, and unwillingness to make eye contact.
Happiness and calmness
This one is hard to detect. When you are depressed many people think that when you hit your lowest point is when you will actually commit suicide, but that's not true. When you are depressed and you have hit that low point you spend most of these days in bed, unwilling to do anything. Suicide takes energy and planning, so when someone attempts suicide, it happens when they are just above that low point and have the energy to plan and execute said plan. Some people have claimed that just before someone has committed suicide, they are happy and calm. That might be because they have their plan finalized and realized that the pain will soon be over.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, get help. It takes a lot of courage to intervene when someone is suicidal, but at the end of the day, you may save someone’s life.
