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You are here: Text Only Home > Intermediary Role: Adult > What to look for as an adult

What to look for as an Adult

Introduction

Suicide is an important social problem within the United States and worldwide which requires all adults to know what signs, behaviors, and information to look for in order to help prevent suicide in families, communities, and nations.

Be aware

Do not convince yourself that suicide cannot or will not affect you, your family, or your community. Recognize the importance of reacting to information, both verbal and non-verbal, as well as proactively addressing the potential needs for support and help by the people around you.

By increasing your awareness, you are being proactive in being prepared to recognize and act if you are faced with an acquaintance that may be at risk for suicide.

Associated factors and warning signs

This is not an exhaustive listing, but highlights factors impacting and warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (References 1&2).

Overwhelming emotional pain that is beyond what the person can endure – given their coping capacity or recent loss of coping resources

Hopelessness that their situation can improve, that the future holds any promise of relief from pain

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References for What to look for as an Adult

List Situation

The following life situation shows how an adult might be faced with the suicidal thoughts and plans of a person that they know and what a potentially effective response might be.

Dan is 41 years old and works construction in a small town. Dan lives next door to an 80 year old woman, Mrs. Juniata, who is living by herself and whose family lives at a distance...

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Resources

Electronic, print, and multimedia resources are provided to help you to find additional authoritative information on What to look for as an Adult. These resources are available from such national organizations as The National Institute of Mental Health as well as professional organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

Internet

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)

SAVE began in 1989 and is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to educate the general public about mental illness, which can result in suicide if left untreated.

The following SAVE Web page provides information about warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors:

http://www.save.org/depressed/symptoms.html

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What to look for

>>Myths

>Professional resources

>>Professional screening tools