Have you ever worried if a friend or family member might be suicidal? People often do not know how to deal with the suffering they are feeling have suicidal thoughts. So, if you have never worried about anyone, maybe you should.

Consider that suicide is amongst the top ten causes of death in the United States and a leading cause of death worldwide. The numbers are staggering, 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. Researchers believe these numbers are underestimated and that it is estimated that for every one suicide, 10-25 attempted suicides occur.

Even if it does not make sense to you, don’t disregard the possibility. If someone reaches a point where his or her thoughts become overwhelmed with despair, they can become suicidal. Not having the Tools to know how to change those thoughts leads a person to lose hope. When an individual reaches the point of suicide they feel overwhelmed with no way out. They want the pain they are experiencing to end. As this progresses there are changes in personality that usually occur.

Ten factors that can lead to suicide:

1. Prior suicide attempt
2. Family history of suicide
3. Family history of substance abuse and or mental disorder
4. Family history of physical or sexual abuse.
5. History of substance abuse
6. History severe depression and or mental disorder
7. Firearms in the home. Statistics show firearms are used in over 50% of suicides
8. Being exposed to suicidal behavior by family or friends, including celebrities
9. Negative life changing events
10. Sentencing to prison

Ten warning signals that could indicate behavior leading towards a possible suicide attempt;

1. Talking about death or suicide
2. Obsessing about wills and life insurance
3. Isolating and not enjoying things one usually enjoys
4. Giving special things away
5. Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
6. Using drugs or alcohol
7. Changes in sleep patterns, sleeping all the time, tired, or insomnia
8. No appetite or overeating
9. Moodiness like being angry, frustrated or crying a lot
10. Loss of focus and difficulty concentrating

The next part is: Suicide (Part 2 ) - Confrontation.

What can you do if you know someone with the danger signals?