A person with the history of failed suicide attempt is at a higher risk of attempting suicide again that too in a more effective manner. Thus, it is imperative for others to be careful and alert around someone who has failed an attempt of suicide.

No, it is not that people want attention when they talk about suicide. They are undergoing a lot of pain and suffering and they need immediate help. People who want to commit suicide often talk about it before they actually take any step. This is a cry for help which others often overlook.

Suicidal thoughts can come to anyone in spite of social status, financial status, gender, age or personality. Though some researches show a pattern in people committing suicide; but attempting suicide is nothing near cowardice. We don’t deny the fact that 10-12% of suicides are due to serious mental illness. But at the same time behind majority of suicide cases, factors like guilt, financial loss, unemployment, debt, failure in exams and break up are responsible.

The fact says that people who have witnessed a suicide in their family have more chances of committing suicide because they get more emotionally affected by the tragedy.

A suicide can be stopped if right actions are taken at the right time. The fact is that people who commit suicide actually do not want to end their lives; they just want to end their pain and sufferings. When they are unable to find a way out of their problems and they become helpless, they end up taking their own lives.

Suicide is a tough task and nobody ends their life suddenly. One can find various changes in the behavior of the person prior to the act and they show warning signs which can be easily identified if someone pays proper attention to it.

In 90% of suicide cases the person gives indication through his behavior and reactions. A person gives these warning signs between suicidal ideation and attempt by which his/her close ones can understand that the person needs help. We can prevent a life if we understand and take necessary actions. Some of the warning signs include –

1. Sudden preparation of death. Getting the will prepared and other legal papers ready for future. Planning for loved ones’ future in their absence. Passing on loved possessions to relatives/friends.
2. Expressing disappointment about life via statements such as ‘its better to die than this kind of a life’, ‘it does not matter to anyone if I am dead or alive’, ‘everything will be alright after my death’, ‘My future is in darkness’, ‘There is nothing to live for’, I will not be a burden on anyone anymore’.
3. Withdrawal from friends and family. Pulling themselves away from activities which gave them pleasure.
4. Significant changes in behavior like constant disappointment, irritation, impulsiveness and aggression.
5. Change in daily routine like loss of appetite/overeating, sudden gain/loss in weight, getting no sleep at all or sleeping too much. Uninterested in taking care of themselves.
6. Change in personality such as not maintaining eye contact while talking, not answering questions properly, losing attention, loss of interest in daily life, diminished will power and decision making power.
7. They start bidding goodbye to everyone as they are never going to meet again.
8. After a distressing and stressful phase a person suddenly gets elated, happy and relaxed and it indicates that the person has taken some serious decision.
9. Constantly searching for ideas to end their life.
   All of the symptoms mentioned above will not be seen in everyone, but some of the symptoms may be observed repeatedly. With an early help, a life can be saved.

• Seek professional help immediately. Contact a mental health professional/ helpline.
• Follow up on treatment.
• Encourage positive lifestyle changes.
• Remove potential means of harm/suicide.
• Continue your support over the long haul.
• Don’t leave that person alone for too long.

Talking to a person about their suicidal thoughts can be difficult for anyone. It would not be a good idea to directly ask a person why they want to end their life. Giving a suicidal person an opportunity to express his /her feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent up negative feelings.
You may start a conversation by saying something like ‘these days I am noticing some change in your behavior. I want to know what is bothering you so much. I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. You can openly express yourself to me.’

• Do not argue. Avoid saying things like ‘You have so much to live for’, ‘Suicide will hurt your family’, or ‘look on the brighter side’.
• Avoid lecturing on the value of life or say that suicide is wrong.
• Promise confidentiality but refuse to be sworn to secrecy. A life is at stake and you may need to speak to mental health professional in order to keep the person safe.
• Don’t blame yourself if you cannot help a person come out of suicidal thoughts. You cannot “fix” someone’s depression.

Suicide is a very serious issue and thus people with suicidal ideation should be counseled by professionals only. If family, friends and teachers are aware of the symptoms of suicidal ideation, then they can consult a person and seek out for professional help rather than counseling the person themselves.