- A history of suicide (i.e. at least one suicide attempt or gesture).
- Suicidal threats (i.e. statements such as “I’m going to kill myself”, or “I might as well be dead”).
- Preoccupation with death (i.e. ,making final arrangements, giving away prized possessions, or frequently talking about death).
- Changes in behavior, thoughts or feelings (i.e. social withdrawal, lose of interest in activities or hobbies, increased risk-taking behaviors, crying easily for seemingly no reason, and abrupt changes in appearance).
- Stress (such as intolerable loss of something or someone important in their life, physical or sexual abuse, or any event that may cause a feeling of worthlessness).
Never take any of these warning signs lightly. If you are not sure of what to do please seek advice. Remember-taking action can save a life!
I would like to share with you a poem from the works of Frank L. Mills Jr.
GOODBYE
I can’t take this another day,
I’ve lost the will to fight and stay.
I tried so hard to stay afloat,
While no one saw my battered boat.
I feel so bad, I feel so small,
I have no choice but end it all.
(by Frank L. Mills, Jr., author of Little Angels: Crying Beyond Tearlessness)
