Learning the Warning Signs

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31 Aug Learning the Warning Signs

Posted at 16:10h in Foundation Blog by

Suicide is often a difficult topic to discuss, but knowing the warning signs is a must for everyone. Read along as we describe the signs of depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking.

People with depression may experience such symptoms as:

  • Feelings of sadness
  • Significant changes in weight and/or appetite
  • Loss of energy
  • Feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt
  • An inability to think or focus
  • Negative thoughts of self
  • Negative thoughts of the world
  • Hopelessness that it will never improve

Symptoms of anxiety can present in three ways: Physically, Psychologically and Behaviorally

  • Pounding heart, chest pain, rapid heartbeat and blushing
  • Rapid, shallow breathing and shortness of breath
  • Dizziness, headache, sweating, tingling and numbness
  • Dry mouth, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • Unrealistic or excessive fear and worry
  • Racing thoughts or mind going blank
  • Decreased concentration and memory
  • Anger
  • Feeling on edge
  • Nervousness
  • Avoidance or situations
  • Obsessive or compulsive behavior
  • Distress in social situations
  • Increased use of alcohol or other drugs

The person considering suicide may:

  • Make threats to hurt of kill themselves
  • Talk or write about suicide, death, and/or having no reason to live
  • Look for ways to kill self by seeking access to firearms, available medication or other means
  • Increased substance use
  • Have no sense of purpose in life
  • Be anxious, agitated, unable to sleep or sleep all of the time
  • Feel trapped as if there is no way out
  • Withdraw from friends, family and/or society
  • Exhibit uncontrolled anger or seek revenge
  • Act reckless or engage in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
  • Experience dramatic mood changes

 

For those going through crisis some local resources:

Prairie View:

Same Day therapy Appointment & Crisis Service: 800-362-0180

Outpatient therapy and Medication Management: 800-922-6292

Client Centered Counseling: 620-241-2300

National Resources:

National Suicide Hotline: Call or text 988 (Military veterans: press 1) (Spanish: Press 2)

Trevor project Lifeline (LGBTQIA): 1-866-488-7386 or text 678678

Deaf Hotline: 800-799-4889