2008 Woodie Awards
Ask Annie
Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: Life
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Dear Annie,
I have a friend that's been going through a really hard time; I'm afraid they might be suicidal. Is there a way to tell if a person is contemplating suicide without actually coming out and asking them?
-A Concerned Friend
Dear Concerned Friend,
Life is often described as a roller coaster or a Merry-go-Round, "Sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down." Everyone goes through a bout of hopelessness and depression and it's difficult to discern when those periods have lasted longer than is natural or "normal."
It is nearly impossible to tell for sure if a person who seems "down" or who has "changed" is really at risk for suicide. No one can tell how another person is going to react to a difficult situation. Everyone copes with life's challenges differently - however there are some clear warning signs that a friend or loved one might be in trouble.
When dealing with depression, anxiety, fear and hopelessness it can be hard to tell where the bad feelings end and where real risk begins. If your friend displays two or more of these warning signs it might be time to become concerned and get involved. But, you need to be careful. Don't burden yourself with their problems.
Too often those trying to help in situations like these become too involved and end up taking the weight of the other's problems on themselves. Sometimes making themselves feel responsible for the others life and happiness.
If you do see these warning signs you may want to discretely alert others to the possible risk. Talk to other close friends or family-members of your at-risk-friend, or perhaps a trusted teacher or councilor. Remember to be discrete and sensitive to your friend's needs and feelings. You don't want to inadvertently make the situation worse. If your friend confronts you about your involvement make sure they understand that all your actions were prompted by concern for them and their well being.
It's important that your friend not go through this difficult time alone; everyone needs to feel that they have a support group with people who care about them. Just like your friend doesn't need to go through this difficult time alone you need to remember that you needn't try to save your friend's life on your own. If you are afraid that your friend may attempt suicide find some outside help
I have a friend that's been going through a really hard time; I'm afraid they might be suicidal. Is there a way to tell if a person is contemplating suicide without actually coming out and asking them?
-A Concerned Friend
Dear Concerned Friend,
Life is often described as a roller coaster or a Merry-go-Round, "Sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down." Everyone goes through a bout of hopelessness and depression and it's difficult to discern when those periods have lasted longer than is natural or "normal."
It is nearly impossible to tell for sure if a person who seems "down" or who has "changed" is really at risk for suicide. No one can tell how another person is going to react to a difficult situation. Everyone copes with life's challenges differently - however there are some clear warning signs that a friend or loved one might be in trouble.
When dealing with depression, anxiety, fear and hopelessness it can be hard to tell where the bad feelings end and where real risk begins. If your friend displays two or more of these warning signs it might be time to become concerned and get involved. But, you need to be careful. Don't burden yourself with their problems.
Too often those trying to help in situations like these become too involved and end up taking the weight of the other's problems on themselves. Sometimes making themselves feel responsible for the others life and happiness.
If you do see these warning signs you may want to discretely alert others to the possible risk. Talk to other close friends or family-members of your at-risk-friend, or perhaps a trusted teacher or councilor. Remember to be discrete and sensitive to your friend's needs and feelings. You don't want to inadvertently make the situation worse. If your friend confronts you about your involvement make sure they understand that all your actions were prompted by concern for them and their well being.
It's important that your friend not go through this difficult time alone; everyone needs to feel that they have a support group with people who care about them. Just like your friend doesn't need to go through this difficult time alone you need to remember that you needn't try to save your friend's life on your own. If you are afraid that your friend may attempt suicide find some outside help
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