WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDAL IDEATIONTodd Belok

Introduction Todd Belok has served since the spring of 2015 as a mental health

technician at Temple University Hospital Episcopal Campus. In this role, Todd Belok woks with and helps to care for individuals with a variety of mental illnesses, including severe depression.

Every year, more than 800,000 individuals in the United States attempt suicide, and more than 30,000 succeed. Most people who commit suicide tell at least one another person about their intention to do so. This may not necessarily be a clear description of a plan, though mental health professionals do acknowledge such specificity as a stronger indication that suicide is possible.

Even if the person in question only hints at suicidal ideation, however, it can allow loved ones or care professionals to guide the person toward health. 

Suicidal Ideation These individuals may listen for statements that indicate hopelessness,

unendurable pain, or a lack of reasons to continue living. The person may also indicate that he or she expects not to be around for long, or state that others may soon be free of the burden of being around him or her.

In some cases, however, suicidal ideation makes itself known through actions more strongly than through words. Individuals who plan to commit suicide may begin to give away their belongings or set their finances in order in a more final way. Others may isolate themselves, engage in risky behaviors, or make goodbye visits to family and friends.

Loved ones and care professionals can also be on the lookout for the potential acquisition of lethal means. These can include the purchase of pills, weapons, or other possibly fatal tools, though a suicide note may serve as similar evidence of more specific intent.