Some warning signs

Some warning signs that indicate the possibility that a person is considering suicide is withdrawn behavior, isolation, giving away possessions, loss of interest in hobbies or activities, abuse of alcohol or drugs, reckless behavior, extreme behavior changes, self-mutilation, sleep disturbances, lock of hygiene, change or loss of appetite or weight, physical health complaints, stressful events, losses, depression, anger, impulsivity, worthlessness, guilt, loneliness, sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and negative thoughts and comments. Comments like "I wish I were dead", "I can't take it anymore." "I can't think straight anymore." "I won't need this anymore." "I can't do anything." "Everyone would be better off without me." "All my problems will be over soon." "Now I know what other feel like." "No one can do anything for me."

Any one or combination of these behaviors, feelings, actions, could be an indication of suicidal ideation.

Never leave someone who is suicidal alone

One thing that is very important for all people to know is that you should NEVER leave someone who is suicidal alone. Of course unless trained about suicide many people would not identify warning signs of suicidal persons. (Everyone should get trained - preferably by an ASIST program - see link for MINDCareusa.com or ASIST ). However there are many occasions when people do know that someone is suicidal, for example if they say so or are very depressed and making more subtle statements about not being able to deal with life anymore. Again if you get some training you would know the all the warning signs. Bottom line is if you even think someone might be thinking about suicide, DO NOT under any circumstance leave that person alone. Be sure you or someone will remain with the person until safety can be ensured. Just this one decision could save a life.

Suicide Types?

One of the myths about suicide that must be clarified is the belief that only certain people are the type of person to commit suicide. Everyone and anyone is at risk for suicide. An event or chain of events in one's life that might cause a person to consider suicide is different for every individual. If you think about some type of psychological pain that you could not bear to live with then you can possibly imagine considering suicide as a solution to resolving that pain. Some people feel they could not live in chronic physical pain all day every day and they would rather be dead than to live with such pain. That is what it is like for those who have unbearable psychological pain and cannot live with it. Yes we are all different. Our genetics plays a role in how our nervous system and brain functions, but we all also have our learned cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning too. And everyone has the potential to experience things that could cause immense psychological pain. Some say they could not live after the loss of a child, others find day to day life miserable due to psychological illness, and some cannot manage their guilt, worry, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, or other losses. It is different for everyone. The important thing is that suicide is preventable if effective treatment for such psychological pain can be implemented. Again this will be different for each person, but help is all around. There are many professionals who can understand and work with any suicidal individual to find a comprehensive plan and ensure life to prevail. It is about an individual deciding to live and that is up to each of us.

Adolescents and statistics

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among youth ages 15- 24. Suicide follows only car accidents and homicide. There a many unbelievable statistics about suicide and the general public needs to be more aware. Many youth attempt suicide. There are also many suicidal deaths that are never reported as suicides for a variety of reasons, which include but is not limited to religion, uncertainty of death, accidents, personal preference due to the negative stigma in society. Therefore, the number of suicides among youth would be much higher if all were reported. It is imminent that people become more educated about the warning signs of suicidal thinking and what to do. If you know a teen or young adult who you think could be suicidal or who has mentioned suicide please contact a professional for help with the situation.

Blog Problem Again and So Sorry

The warning you have received is apparently an automated warning for new bloggers. I sincerely apologize for the confusion. I waited until I had a few blogs up and running for a few days just to be sure there were no kinks before I sent this blog address out to so many of you who requested it and today I received word that it needs to be checked and reviewed to prevent spam bloggers. All is well intended.

Thanks for reading and hopefully this blog will continue without further problems.

Please call and talk

If you are reading this blog it is likely that you or someone you know might be having thoughts of suicide. Many people have thoughts of suicide. It is important to realize that talking with someone about suicidal thoughts directly is the one of the most helpful aspects of prevention and intervention.
Preferably if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, it is best that you or they speak with someone who understands suicide and is trained to talk with suicidal persons. The links on this page are a good resource. Please call and talk.

What is 'Decide to Live' ?

Decide to Live is a blog which hopefully will heighten awareness and advocate for everyone to learn more about suicide. It is where people can read, become healthier, and smarter. Hopefully, people will be more motivated and capable to make positive changes either in their own life or in the lives of others.

Please note that the term 'decide to live' is the not intended to sound like a command to anyone who is having thoughts of suicide. Those thoughts are serious, need to be considered, discussed with a professional, and 'deciding to live' is the hope for all individuals.

Sorry for the Interruption!

OOPS! Due to an unfortunate technical problem savetheparents blog experienced a brief delay!
We are back and will be here everyday, hopefully you will be here too!
Again ...our most sincere apology!

Suicide is around us

Suicide is around us and we need to talk about it more! Suicide and thoughts of suicide are sad, scary, real, and more profound than most people realize. Please open your mind and allow yourself to learn, think, and make positive changes. Starting today...starting now!