Warning Signs of Severe Depression and Suicidal Risk
Severe depression can be associated with an increased risk of suicide, and recognizing the warning signs can truly save a life.
1. Direct Warning Signs
These require immediate action:
Expressing a desire to die (directly or indirectly)
- “I don’t want to live anymore.”
- “I wish I wouldn’t wake up tomorrow.”
- “Everyone would be better off without me.”
- Searching for suicide methods online or elsewhere
Having a plan or means
- Talking about a specific method
- Gathering pills, rope, weapons, etc.
- Saying abnormal or “final” goodbyes
The combination of intent + plan + means = extremely high risk for self‑harm.
2. Concerning Behavioral Signs
▪️ Social withdrawal and isolation
Sudden detachment from family and friends
▪️ Giving away valued possessions
A “final settlement” type of behavior
▪️ Increased use of alcohol or substances
Reduced behavioral control and impulsivity
▪️ Sudden calm after severe depression
Sometimes when a person has decided to end their life, their anxiety drops and they appear calmer — this can be misleading and very dangerous.
3. Clinical Signs of Severe Depression
▪️ Profound feelings of worthlessness
Excessive or delusional guilt (“I destroyed my family”)
▪️ Complete hopelessness — one of the strongest predictors of suicide
▪️ Severe loss of pleasure — total inability to enjoy anything
▪️ Severe insomnia or resistant sleep disturbance
▪️ Poor concentration + psychomotor retardation or severe agitation
Major Risk Factors
- Previous suicide attempt (the most significant predictor)
- Family history of suicide
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use
- Chronic painful illness
- Recent crises (divorce, bankruptcy, bereavement)
- Easy access to lethal means
What to Do if You Encounter Such a Person
1. Ask directly
Common myth: Asking about suicide plants the idea.
Reality: Direct questioning does not increase the risk and often helps the person feel seen and understood.
Example:
“Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?”
2. Do not leave them alone
Stay with the person if risk is high.
3. Seek professional help immediately
- Call emergency services if danger is imminent
- Refer to a psychiatrist promptly
- Hospitalize if necessary
Key Insight
Suicide is often not about a desire for death,
but about a desire to end psychological pain.
“Society and Mental Health”
Here, writings and materials related to psychology and psychiatry are shared.
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https://ble.ir/jamehvasalamtravan
Dr. Hamid Yousefi’s Website
Psychiatrist
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