Weary Warriors: 10 Warning Signs of Suicidal Thinking

Recognize the suicide demons that make warriors out of us.

The Semicolon Project (https://projectsemicolon.com/) is a non-profit movement meant to help those having trouble with their mental health. Image Credit: Jana Svandova/123rf.com used with permission

The mind. It’s rather amazing. Isn’t it? Filled with thoughts of desire, yearning, what’s funny and what isn’t. Yet, when depression, overwhelming anxiety, or bi-polar disorder takes up residence in the mind, the intense pain overwhelms its inhabitants, often driving them into the lair of suicides call.

It is at this time when the role of the warrior must come into play. When the suicide demons show up, they do so often with ease and swiftness which is alarming.

Comedian Robin Williams died from suicide in August of 2014. Ver en vivo En Directo|Flickr

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Though one in 25 attempts are successful, there is one death by suicide every twelve minutes. Yes, one death by suicide every twelve minutes. That’s why the warrior is not simply about the one who is inhabited by the suicide demon, but becomes the role of the people around who may have noticed something, and stayed quiet, chose to ignore the signs or felt helpless to make a difference. The warriors of support, see something and do something, know something is weird, and break the silence. Is it awkward, many times. Is it scary, yes. Does it take guts? Perhaps. Could it save a loved one from the demon? maybe.

“Grief” Harry Lawford|Flickr

Suicide spikes don’t necessarily happen in the Winter. What months do you think suicide occurs the most? It may not be what you think- April, May and June. Now, with the pandemic reaching each corner of the globe, sadly, suicide rates are up. The intention to kill oneself may be more about wanting the pain to die, rather than wanting life to end. This is not necessarily seasonal, though Grief Seasons are real and unique for each person. Day to day, the available choices to create a life worth living seem distant and impossible for those who struggle with depression and despair. What around them is triggering? What in the past triggered you or someone you know?

Here are 10 warning signs of suicidal thinking: When you notice them and say something, you become a warrior of support.

1. Do you hear the person describe a sense of imprisonment while stating they believe they are a strain on others.
2. Your friend or family member suddenly withdraws from social activities
3. They are sleeping and eating in excess. They have decreased their eating or sleeping.
4. Filled with more than normal for them — anger, rage, anxiety
5. Display unusual aggressive behaviors and responses
6. They are giving away clothing, furniture or jewelry: especially prized possessions
7. Prior Suicide attempts
8. Exhibit a depressed attitude: statements of hopelessness and helplessness
9. Have noticeable and excessive mood swings
10. Put affairs in order with no apparent need to do so

When a person fights to live through the suicide demons lure, it takes the work of their warrior and perhaps the warriors’ role taken on by friends and family. When warriors collaborate, they help fight the suicide demon, while curating a path for the choice to live. In many ways for the inhabitant of the suicide demons call, when they don’t respond to it by taking it to its end, it is like becoming the revenant, coming back from the dead every time they choose to be in life for one more day. They become warriors in their fight.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800–273–8255

Lifeline Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/