
The sufferer may be seen
- Giving away precious personal items
- Settling debts, making peace with people
- Making out a will
- Praising the courage of those who have committed suicide
- Mourning a personal loss for an extended period of time
- Engaging in risky behavior (speeding behind the wheel, stunts)
- Acting uncharacteristically intense
Note that these signs taken alone don’t necessarily mean that the person is suicidal. But they are alarm bells. They mean you should have your radar up.
And the only way you’ll find out is to directly ask the question. The sufferer may lie, but you’ll get information from the response that may, just may, enable you to save a life.
Book excerpt from Quebec Suicide Prevention Handbook (2014), Éditions TNT
Suicide Prevention Hotlines:
Québec: 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553). CLSCs can also help you.
Canada: Canada Suicide Prevention Service 833-456-4566
U.S.: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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