Suicide Prevention - Do You Know the Signs?

Every day, people with mental health disorders are faced with unpredictable issues––many that only they themselves can see.

There are several mental health disorders connected with suicide attempts, including bipolar disorder, mixed mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, and certain personality disorders. Many times, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder are also diagnosed with a mental health or mood disorder, giving them extra challenges in life.

Some of the common signs that someone could be thinking of suicide include:

• feelings of having no hope
• acting aggressively or impulsively
• a sense of being isolated and alone
• not making eye contact
• not caring for their hygiene or dress
• dropping grades
• drawing or writing deep and dark images or stories
• loss of appetite
• not taking part in family or social activities.

People who may be at a higher risk of suicide include those who:

• have a history of trauma or abuse
• have a major physical illness
• made previous suicide attempt
• lost a job, friend, spouse, boy/girlfriend, sister/brother, or other support
• are afraid to ask for help
• have access to guns/knives or other dangerous objects
• are being bullied constantly

Suicide affects all ages. It does not pick one gender, religion, illness, disorder, race, or economic level.

There are several local Suicide Prevention agencies throughout the Coastal Bend area. Many can be found by simply searching the phrase “suicide prevention in Corpus Christi” or asking your local school counselor.

Check out Mental Health Matters – Suicide Prevention page  or the Yellow pages for Corpus Christi for more information.  The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) also has good information on suicide prevention.

You can also get information on the When to Get Mental Health Help for Children page.

No matter what the issue is, do not be afraid to get help for yourself or a loved one.