Suicide is rarely committed hastily and "in the heat of the moment". Rather, suicide is the last resort at the end of a long period of suffering. For those around a person at risk of suicide, it is important to recognise the signs of this danger in the person's behaviour.

How do you recognise whether someone is at risk of suicide?

Change in behaviour

When people find themselves in such a difficult life situation that they consider taking their own life, it often becomes clear that they drastically change their normal activities and routines. They withdraw from friends and family and often believe that they are a burden to others. 

Sleep behaviour also changes to either excessive sleeping or insomnia. 

Pain and trauma

The loss of a loved one or a very traumatic experience can cause severe inner pain that the person affected feels unable to cope with. If someone has just been through a traumatic experience, you should pay particular attention to this person.

Linguistic expression

A suicidal person often begins with the so-called cry for help by talking about taking their own life in front of others. Such comments should not be dismissed, but taken very seriously, as they are the first step towards suicide.

Suicidal intent often manifests itself in the drastic giving away of possessions and even saying goodbye to friends.

Increased consumption of drugs or alcohol

People with severe psychological problems often turn to anaesthetics. These give them temporary relief, but when the anaesthetic effect wears off, they are even less able to deal with their problems. That's why you should immediately take notice if someone is suddenly "high" all the time - there could be a very serious problem behind it.

Mood swings

People at risk of suicide are prone to extreme mood swings. They quickly switch from outward contentment to extreme anger or aggression. Some people show sudden strong anxiety or nervousness, others sink into self-pity.

 

Statistically speaking, the greatest risk of suicide is among men between the ages of 25 and 65, and among women between 45 and 55.