Common signs that someone you know may be at risk of suicide

Police Scotland have issued advice on spotting the signs and helping prevent suicides.

If you suspect someone may be feeling suicidal, ask them – it could save their life. Most people thinking about suicide will try to let someone know. There are several signs to watch out for. The key to helping is watching out for the warning signs and knowing what to do to help. Everyone is different so in some cases few or none of the signs will be evident.

Common signs that someone you know may be at risk of suicide:

• They talk about wanting to die and don’t see the point of living, or a way out of their situation.  They may say they feel trapped.

• They have been through stressful life events or have experienced significant losses and don’t seem to be coping.

• They give away prized possessions.

• They start putting things in order, like arranging wills, pet care or childcare.

• They show marked changes in behaviour, appearance or mood; they may seem distracted, sad, distant or lacking in concentration. Also, watch out for sudden uplift in mood or calmness as this can sometimes be because the person feels they have found a solution to their problems, no matter how drastic this may be.

• They have made a previous suicide attempt.

Here’s why the positive work needs to continue:

– Every day around two people die from suicide in Scotland.

– Around three out of four suicides are by men.

– 67% of people who died by suicide were in employment.

– Almost half of all deaths by suicide are by people aged 35–54.

– Those in the most deprived areas of Scotland have a suicide risk three times the risk compared to the least deprived areas of Scotland.

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