By Parkland Ambulance

Suicide Prevention – What are the Warning Signs

Sep 10, 2014 | 11:35 AM

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) provides information and resources to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour.

What are warning signs?

Suicide prevention depends heavily on our ability to recognize people who are in distress and may be at risk. The American Association of Suicidology developed a simple tool that we can all use to remember the warning signs of suicide. This tool is called “IS PATH WARM” and outlines the key points to remember.

Is Path Warm:
I – Ideation (suicidal thoughts)
S – Substance Abuse
P – Purposelessness
A – Anxiety
T – Trapped
H – Hopelessness/Helplessness
W – Withdrawal
A – Anger
R – Recklessness
M – Mood changes
Other signs and behaviors that might suggest someone being at risk of suicide

Direct and indirect verbal expressions: “I don’t want to live anymore”, “there is nothing to live for ”, “people will be better off without me”
Dramatic changes in mood
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Agitation
Increase in drug and alcohol use
Risk taking behavior
Aggressive, impulsive and/or violent acts
Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
Lack of self care /neglect of self
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
Withdrawal from family, friends, and interests
Giving away prize possessions and/or making a will
Reconnecting with old friends and extended family as if to say goodbye
Previous unresolved or recent suicide attempts

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More information can be found on their website at:http://suicideprevention.ca/