about, or trying suicide is ALWAYS SERIOUS. If you or a friend is doing any of these, talk to a trusted adult IMMEDIATELY.
If you're worried that someone close to you may be thinking about suicide, watch for these warning signs:
- Talking, reading, or writing about suicide or death.
- Talking about feeling worthless or helpless.
- Saying things like, "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead," or
"I shouldn't have been born."
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
- Giving things away or returning borrowed items.
- Organizing or cleaning bedroom "for the last time."
- Hurting oneself or purposely putting oneself in danger.
- Obsessed with death, violence, and guns or knives.
- Previous suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.
Once again: if you notice one or more of these signs in someone you know, get help right away.
Self-injury is when a person physically hurts himself or herself on purpose. When someone who is clinically depressed does this, it might be because:
- He's trying to change the way he's feeling.
- She's desperately trying to get attention she needs.
- He wants to express how hopeless and worthless he feels.
- She is having suicidal thoughts.
Self-injury can be just as dangerous as suicidal talk and thoughts, so don't hesitate to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing this.
Next: More on clinical depression and sadness From The Mentors.