Depression is a mental health disorder that can often result in self-injurious or suicidal behavior. Unfortunately, often times, suicide can be a direct result of depression. It’s a sad and preventable consequence. Suicide is actually the second-leading cause of death for college-age students in the United States. Young minds are fragile, particularly when they are exposed to new lives at college. It’s important to recognize the signs for suicide fast in order to help the person afflicted with depression get professional help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, The Counseling Center is one of the leading depression counseling providers in Westchester, NY. We are standing by to help you or your loved ones recover from depression. Below, you will find 5 warning signs for suicide to look out for.
Withdrawal from Life, Friends, and Family
Depression can hit people hard and lead them to become withdrawn from their lives. If you notice that someone has recently withdrawn from their friends and family, this might be a sign that they are struggling with depression and potentially considering suicide. Avoiding activities and interests that the person normally loved is a tell-tale sign that something isn’t right. If you think someone could benefit from family counseling in Eastchester, please reach out to the Counseling Center today.
Erratic Sleeping Habits, Lack of Self Care
If you notice that someone has recently been experiencing erratic sleeping habits and has given up on self-care, this could be another suicide warning sign. This is exactly what happened with Graham Burton, a student featured in a recent New York Times article who committed suicide after people noticed him wearing the same clothes every day and appearing melancholy and lethargic. If someone you know is sleeping more or less than they normally do, this could mean they are depressed.
Focus on Death
Many times, the signs of suicide are hard to recognize and might just seem like someone is going through a rough patch. However, if you hear someone openly talking about death or wanting to die, it’s something to take very seriously. While periodically thinking about or talking about death is normal, if a person is hyper-focused on dying and speaking about it a lot, then this is behavior that should be taken as a serious warning sign of suicidality. Child therapy in Westchester, NY can be a solution if your child seems to be abnormally focused on death.
Reckless Actions
Sometimes, when people have given up hope or are overcome with the despair of depression, they will act recklessly. Dangerous decisions like drunk driving and risky sexual encounters are signs that a person is at risk of serious self-injury. When someone gives up on life, they will throw caution to the wind. Keep an eye out for any reckless actions to help prevent suicide.
