Suicidal Tendencies

All of us have days when we feel hopeless. For some people, however, the hopelessness extends for weeks, months, and even years. Hopelessness results when goal-directed thinking decreases to a point of apathetic indifference. A person stuck in hopelessness has an enduring sense of apathy about life goals.

Sometimes when people assess their circumstances they see a hopeless future. They feel unimportant and no longer capable of meeting the next challenge. They no longer feeling their contribution to their community has meaning; therefore, life is not worthwhile.

In the midst of these depressing conclusions many people contemplate suicide.

Do you have a loved one feeling hopeless?  Here are some hope assessment questions to begin to address their state of mind.

Hope Assessment Q's

1. Do you ever wish you could runaway or disappear?
2. Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and not wake up?
3. Do you ever have scary dreams about dying?
4. Do you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself?
5. Do you ever feel so badly that you have thoughts of dying?

If their answers give you comfort and their state of mind seems to be more hopeful than you previously thought—great. Continue to provide care and support so that when they struggle they know that you care.

If, on the other hand, their answers concern you, here are five suicide warning questions to assess the lethality of their state of mind.

Suicide Warning Q's

1. Do you ever feel so badly that you think of suicide?
2. Do you have a plan?
3. Do you know when you would do it (today, next wk)?
4. Do you have access to what you would use?
5. Do you think/feel you are in danger of killing yourself now?

Your response to their answer to the question, “Do you think/feel you are in danger of killing yourself now?” is extremely important.

If yes…

1. Explain your concern and your desire to protect them
2. Encourage their involvement in obtaining help
3. If they are unwilling to cooperate, call 911, and get help

If no…

How Do You Develop Hope in Teenagers?

Hope can always grow, even in places where it has not grown well before. Helping teens dream big dreams and think more positively about themselves and their lives can help in developing a more hopeful outlook on life.

• Encourage a healthy self-identity
• Ensure a successful outcome
• Honor realistic expectations
• Increase self-confidence
• Support maturity and independence

Going Forward What Should You Watch For?  Suicide Warning Signs:

• Persistent sadness
• Fluctuation between silent apathy and excited talkativeness
• Inability to concentrate
• Major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Complaining about headaches or stomach aches
• Severe weight gain or loss
• Declining grades and an unwillingness to work in school
• Truancy
• Rapid mood swings
• Lack of interest in regular activities (sports, church, music lessons, youth group, etc.)
• Pessimism about the future
• Expressions of helplessness, worthlessness, hopelessness
• Preoccupation with death or suicide

See the Signs –Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

Facts, Signs and Intervention


There are a number of reasons why children, like adults, may find themselves thinking the unthinkable. Alarmingly, in recent years, suicide has increased dramatically and, sadly, more and more of our children are choosing to end their lives rather than face the hardships the world hurls at them. This brochure provides suicide facts, signs you must not ignore, and intervention techniques.

Suicide Prevention –Kids Peace

Resources

For resources including treatment, counseling, and psychiatric care, contact your health care insurance for a list of approved providers. Every insurance company has mental health professionals on staff that can help guide you in the best direction for your child.

If you do not have insurance, do not hesitate to contact a mental health provider as many offer sliding scale (discounted) fees or contact your local county mental health division who can also help. If you feel your child is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call 911 or the crisis line for your county.

Crisis Connection: 24 Hour Crisis Phone Line: (612) 379-6363

Love Lines: 1-612-379-1199
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-612-347-2222
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)