Jeff Edwards, president of the Michigan Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, urged attendees of Royal Oak SAFE's (Suicide Awareness is For Everyone) "Evening of Empowerment" held Sept. 25 to know the warning signs of suicide.
The Brighton resident, who lost his 12-year old son Chase to suicide in 2003, said those who succumb to mental depression are often in our "blind spots" - the signs are there but we just don't see them.
Considering more people die from suicide than war, murder and natural disasters combined, Edwards offered the following warning signs to help those at risk:
- Observable signs of serious depression include unrelenting low mood, pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, anxiety, pain and inner tension, withdrawal and sleep problems.
- Increased alcohol and/or drug use
- Recent impulsiveness/taking unnecessary risks
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong will to die
- Making a plan, including giving away prized possessions, sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm, or obtaining other means of suicide
- Unexpected rage or anger
