DEALING WITH SUICIDE | At a glance

About 60 people attended a two-hour faith-based Pastors Community Forum on Sunday afternoon at Second Baptist Church in Warren to hear several ministers and others speak on signs and symptoms of suicide. Some of the warning signs, risk factors and steps that can be taken to prevent it are:

Voicing direct or indirect statements such as, “The world would be better off without me.”

Making plans that include buying firearms, stockpiling pills or conducting online inquiries.

Withdrawing from family, friends and favorite activities and interests.

Taking extreme risks such as driving extremely fast and other stunts.

Increasing the use of alcohol and drugs.

Talking about being a burden to others.

Feeling unbearable physical or emotional pain.

Giving away prized possessions, saying goodbye to friends and putting affairs in order via making out a will.

Risk factors include previous attempts, family history of substance abuse or mental challenges and being exposed to others’ suicide, along with chronic pain and certain medical conditions. Also, those who suddenly exhibit a lighter mood can be at risk because it could mean they have made a final decision to end their lives and are at peace with it.

Steps for assisting people in emotional pain are directly asking if they’re contemplating suicide, listening carefully and nonjudgmentally, removing or disabling potentially lethal means and following up after the crisis has passed.

Those who are suicidal or know someone who is can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

Source: National Institute of Mental Health