Suicide

What are the signs?

  • Thinking about killing self.
  • Saying “I wish I was dead”.
  • Feelings of hopelessness.
  • One or more previous suicide attempts.
  • Death by suicide of a friend or family member.
  • Sudden change in behaviour (positive or negative).
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities.
  • Lack of interest.
  • Increase use of alcohol and other drugs.
  • Unusual preoccupation with death or dying.
  • Giving away valued personal possessions.
  • Mood swings, emotional outbursts, high level of irritability, or aggression.

What can you do?

Individuals should be trained before assessing for suicide risk!

  • Ask the person if he or she is thinking about suicide.
  • Be direct - Ask if they have a concrete plan.
  • Always take talk about suicide seriously.
  • Really listen, without judging or challenging, or becoming angry and shocked.
  • Stay with the person until other help is available.
  • Talk to someone.
  • Help them see hope for the future.
  • Guide them to other sources of help as soon as possible, such as a parents, counselor, or other trusted adult, or community crisis phone line.
  • Don’t keep the information to yourself.

If you are having an immediate mental health crisis, please click here to see a listing of mental health crisis lines and services available in Manitoba or contact Youth Crisis Stabilization Services at MacDonald Youth Services in Winnipeg.


Sources & Resources:

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