Recognizing the Signs of Suicide

Would you know the signs of a suicidal person? Will simply asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head? September marks national Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and military officials are educating the community about the signs of suicide. The Defense Department’s theme for this month’s observance, “Stand By Them,” is a reminder to the community to keep an eye out and get involved when you spot a problem.

Jacqueline Garrick, acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, says, “The first key factor is to understand the signs and symptoms of suicide, and not to be afraid to ask the question. It’s a myth that if you ask somebody, ‘Are you feeling suicidal?’ that you’ll put a thought in their head.”

Relationship issues and financial crises are often factors in the lives of people at risk for suicide. Garrick says any swings in moods or changes in behavior are warning signs. Excessive risk-taking, substance abuse, giving away possessions and changes in life insurance arrangements can all be indicators that something is going wrong.

Garrick encourages military family members to reach out to chaplains, commands and call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) and press 1 for help. The crisis line also has an online chat option and a texting option, reachable by smartphone at 838255.

To learn more about the warning signs of suicide, visit the DoD news site.

Read more about suicide prevention awareness on health.mil.