The past week saw two icons, one in fashion (Kate Spade) and the other in food and TV (Anthony Bourdain), take their own lives in an act of suicide. Sadly, this is a symptom of society, trickling down to individuals who are overwhelmed by different life situations.
The reality is, suicide doesn’t choose its victim. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, successful or not. It doesn’t discriminate on age or gender. Kate Spade’s and Anthony Bourdain’s sudden deaths by suicide are reminders of that. 
In fact, you may not realize it but a friend you know may even have thoughts of suicide. A little closer to home, and maybe even a family member is hiding the fact that he or she is depressed and contemplating suicide.
Suicide and Depression
More often than not, suicide symptoms are related to depression symptoms. However, these things may occur to a person gradually that you don’t notice it. Even the person may deny that there’s something wrong.
Both suicide and depression are often brought on by certain life events, such as setbacks, loss, divorce, breakup, separation, financial problems, legal issues, medical problems, trauma, remorse, stress, and low self-esteem, to name a few.
The good news, however, is that depression is treatable. Thoughts of suicide can be transformed into hopes for a better life.
Still, if you suspect that someone you know could be depressed and contemplating suicide, you have to look out for these warning signs.
Warning Signs of Suicide
The American Association of Suicidology has developed a tool, a mnemonic device, to help people remember the warning signs of suicide: IS PATH WARM.
- I- Ideation (ideas revolving around suicide or self-harm)
- S- Substance abuse
- P- Purposelessness
- A- Anxiety
- T- Trapped
- H- Hopelessness / Helplessness
- W- Withdrawal
- A- Anger
- R- Recklessness
- M- Mood changes or mood swings
Other signs to look out for are:
- verbal expressions (direct/indirect) – “people are better off without me”
- agitation
- increased substance use or abuse
- risk-taking behavior
- aggressive or violent acts
- impulsive behavior
- sleeping too much or too little
- neglecting appearance and hygiene
- feeling tired or fatigued
- withdrawal from family, friends, interests
- giving away possessions or making a whill
- reconnecting with old friends or family as if to say goodbye
- unusual happiness and peace
- previous unresolved suicide attempts
Remember, depression and addiction can feed off each other. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us at Bridges of Hope: 09175098826.
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