They may feel like they’re a burden to others
The person might feel like they are a burden to family, friends, or society. He or she may feel guilty about letting people down. They may say things like, “Everyone would be better off without me,” or “Things will be easier without me here.” Gilliland says, “Be attentive to statements like that, and don’t be afraid to step in and tell them they’re not being a burden.”
Read on for the silent signs stress is hurting your relationship.
They may have suffered a current loss, crisis, or problem
“Many people who attempt suicide are responding to real-life issues that appear to be insurmountable,” says Dr Berger. Social humiliation or relationship breakups are also often the stimulus for suicide attempts, she says, as well as serious physical illness, loss of livelihood, homelessness, and other life losses. Also look out for people saying they feel trapped or in a hole they can’t get out of. “When people begin feeling a job, financial situation, or relationship is unbearable, it’s not unusual for them to become depressed or be constantly thinking about the hopelessness of the situation,” says Gilliland. “At times like that, we sometimes make up a story that the rest of our lives will be like this and we can’t fathom living like this.”
They may have subtle signs of depression
Depression signs vary. They can include difficulty sleeping, weight loss or gain, guilt, unusual worries, irritability, sadness, anger, or hopelessness. “Of course, these are common signs among ordinary people, and not everyone with these signs is suffering from depression,” says Dr Berger. But if these signs last more than a week or two, that’s a red flag that the person needs help. Note that lots of people are depressed and most don’t kill themselves, says Dvoskin. “However, even if they aren’t intending to kill themselves, people who are seriously depressed usually need help,” he says. “It might make the person angry, but he’ll be alive.”
