(e) Unexplained deviation from ingrained behavior patterns. A non-
drinker begins drinking to excess. A person who hates guns suddenly buys one.
(f)
Composing a suicide note.
NOTE:
Suicide notes are sometimes found days before the suicide occurs.
(g)
Sudden, unexplained recovery from a severe depression.
NOTE:
Some persons who have decided to kill themselves may appear quite happy.
Actually, they are not happy, but are relieved of their burden of stress and pain
by the decision to kill themselves. You cannot tell the difference just by looking
at them.
(h)
Attempted suicide is the strongest behavioral warning.
NOTE:
A person who has attempted suicide does not automatically cease to be
suicidal. Approximately half of the people who kill themselves have previously
attempted to do so.
4-6.
EXAMPLES OF METHODS OF SUICIDE
Some examples are given below.
a. Self-inflicted gunshot.
b. Throat slashing.
c. Jumping from high place.
d. Overdose of medication (for example, aspirin, Tylenol, "sleeping pills").
e. Wrist-cutting.
f. Hanging.
g. Automobile (carbon monoxide poisoning, "accidents").
4-7.
APPROPRIATE INTERVENTION ACTION
a. When to Intervene. The medical specialist should take appropriate
intervention actions, when the individual displays potentially suicidal behavior or there is a
clear and present danger to the individual or others.
MD0549
4-11
Previous Page
