Does anyone know what the warning signs to look for are of someone who may be contemplating suicide? Are the signs different for teenagers than they are for adults?

No threats of suicide from anyone ,at any age should be taken as need for attention.Satistics say suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in kids 15 to 24.

Thank you both for replying. Illusion I have heard that as well about kids who say they are going to do it and wanting attention. I remember when I was young I had shouted that out at my parents, for shock value in an argument with them. I never had any real thoughts or intentions upon actually doing it. I think a lot of people still believe that, at least based upon my current experiences in speaking with a couple of people over the phone. With the sudden rash of suicides lately involving teens, I'm not sure I still buy into that belief anymore.

Because of a few experiences we have been dealing with as a family, this has crept to the forefront of my mind. Especially after reading about Marie Osmond's appearance on Oprah and something her son had said to her shortly before he committed suicide, it really struck a nerve.I think we have done, and are doing, everything we can right now to make sure something like this doesn't happen in our family, but I want to make sure there isn't something we are missing.

Thanks again both of you =)

I would say reasons/signs someone might become suicidal are feelings of hopelessness, not being able to measure up, depression... Usually something sets them off to attempt it. Maybe loss of a job, a long term relationship, someone they loved passed away, other traumas.

It is so true that any verbalized acknowledgment of a suicidal thought should be taken seriously. Often the people who feel alone in this world will commit suicide if they feel like no one cares. They may try it several times before succeeding...

The main difference I'd imagine between a teen and an adult who questions ending their life would be that teens are very impulsive because their brains aren't fully developed yet. They might be even quicker to do such permanent damage to them self. I once read a story of a young man who had a mental illness and had jumped off the Golden Gate bridge changed his mind and wanted to live as soon as his hands left the railing. He survived because he had positioned himself in such a way that he hit seated but the lower half of his body was shattered from hitting the water at such a high speed.

Communication and acceptance are the keys. Don't judge the person who is having a tough time, let them feel how important and loved they are by caring enough to listen and try to understand how they are feeling.

Changes in behavior, threats, giving away belongings, making arrangements for pets, sudden happiness after being depressed a long time.

Its always a good idea to have your counties crisis line on hand. They will come out and assess a person and decide if they should be hospitalized or not. The person may be mad at you but in the end if it saves their life who cares? If anyone ever threatens suicide or makes vague statements like I might as well OD.not be here, end it all etc etc call the crisis line.

Big things to get across are if a person is suicidal, homicidal, paranoid, delusional. If your county does not have a crisis line the police should be able to pink slip them-some are just slower than others.

It's important not to let down your guard because a depressed person has sought help and is on medication. Especially for kids, the meds might be what gives them the energy and willpower to get up off the couch and do what's been on their mind for months.

Sometimes that means they kill themselves.

Trust your instincts.

Thanks for taking the time to answer you guys. I appreciate it. It's a little hard to determine whether it's normal teen angst or a real problem. My instinct is to believe that there is no danger and that it's normal teen behavior but we are treating it as if it isn't. It's said God doesn't give you more than you can handle but man he is pushing the envelope with this.

Thanks again for all the advice

I will give my humble advice

Find a pentecostal church close by and take the person to the church and pray pray and pray
or invite the pastor to the home and pray


Jesus is the healer

The demons will flee and when you pray think of the blood shed by Our Lord in the cross all the sins are washed and Jesus died in the cross for us


or ask the person to listen to this 24 hour service click the tune in tab

http://www.bennyhinnnetwork.com/

Thank you for posting this. I came here to post something similar. I have been really depressed lately.