Listen And Look For Warning Signs example essay topic

Have you ever known someone who's committed or tried to commit suicide and thought, "I wish I would " ve done something, said something, to stop it from happening?" I know I would ask myself that question everyday if I hadn't. A few years ago, a good friend of mine thought her life was so bad she wanted to end it. I did the only thing I could think, and told the nearest teacher. It may sound so childish or stupid, but it worked.

Luckily, she's still alive and well. I'm here to make sure you can make the difference and help a person who might be, or is suicidal. Just think of what would happen if you didn't try to help. There are many reasons a person may feel suicidal.

Isolated stress, traumatic events / experiences are the main causes. People can usually deal with the causes above fairly well, but when these events accumulate over time, our normal coping strategies can be pushed to the limit. The presence of multiple risk factors does not necessarily imply that a person will become suicidal. The following events could contribute to a person feeling suicidal: Death of a loved one; loss of a valued relationship; loss of employment, physical, emotional, sexual, social abuse. These are a few events that may cause a person to fell like they want to end their life.

Suicide is usually a cry for help. The attempt or is looking for someone to help them, because they fell there is nothing they can do to help themselves. A person attempting suicide is often so distressed that they are unable to see that they have other options. These factors are the main reasons for suicide. Keep in mind these are not the only factors.

Some are off the wall and unpredictable. The three main things you can do when you have an inkling or know someone is considering suicide are: talk, listen, and look for warning signs. Asking a person and having them talk about how they feel greatly reduces their feelings of isolation and distress, which in turn greatly reduces the immediate risk of suicide. Some issues may never be completely resolved by talking or counseling, but a good counselor should be able to help a person deal with those issues constructively, and teach them better coping skills / better methods of dealing with problems in the future. Just being there for someone in their time of need shows them that someone does care, and sometimes that can make the difference. Looking for warning signs is the key here.

Often times suicidal people will give warning signs, consciously or unconsciously, indicating that they need help and often hope that they will be rescued. The presence of warning signs does not mean that the person is indeed suicidal. The only way to know for sure is to ask them. In other cases, a suicidal person may not want to be rescued, and may avoid giving warning signs. Typical warning signs are: loss of interest in usual activities; loss of energy; talking, writing, or hinting about suicide; previous attempts; feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; sudden interest in life insurance; 'clearing the air' over personal incidents in the past.

These are just a few warning signs to look for. Some people may show no signs and still feel suicidal, and other may show signs yet are coping well. You can help by looking for warning signs, talking, and listening. The only way to know for sure is to ask. Looking for warning signs and be open for talking and listening. You can help!

Have you ever known someone who's committed or tried to commit suicide and thought", I wish I would " ve done something, said something, to stop it from happening?" I hope after reading this paper you know you can help a person who might be suicidal. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.