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- $Unique_ID{BRK00110}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Are There Any Warning Signs to Predict a Suicide?}
- $Subject{suicide adolescent depression Community social Warning Signs suicides
- suicidal previous attempt possessions Personality behavioral depressed mental
- emotional behavior behaviors child care adolescents adolescence teen teens
- teenage teenager teenager}
- $Volume{Q-23, S-23}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Service, Inc.
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- Are There Any Warning Signs to Predict a Suicide?
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- QUESTION: We realize that this is a difficult question, but hope you provide
- a simple answer, that we hope we don't really need. Are there any warning
- signs to predict a suicide?
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- ANSWER: Researchers believe that most individuals who are contemplating
- suicide show some warning signs before they take action. But, even with
- knowing these signs, it is not easy to identify a suicidal person. If someone
- you love is showing signs of considering suicide, he or she is looking for
- help and needs your care and attention.
- The most important indicator for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
- Up to 50% of suicide victims have tried to kill themselves once before.
- Another important sign is talking about suicide, even with veiled language
- like "They'd be better off without me" or "I've had it." Some people
- considering suicide make arrangements, such as writing a will or giving away
- prized possessions.
- Personality or behavioral changes can be an important clue toward
- suicidal thoughts since it is a symptom of depression. Most suicidal people
- are clinically depressed. Treating depression can prevent suicide. If you
- are going to make any mistakes in dealing with your problem, make them on the
- side of doing a bit too much, rather than ignoring the situation that I sense
- you believe may be brewing.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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