According to the American Association of Suicidology, the following are signs and symptoms of suicide:

I Ideation- Having suicidal thoughts or ideations

S Substance abuse- excessive or increased amount of substance use/li>

P Purposelessness- feeling no reason for living

A Anxiety  - anxiety or agitated with insomnia or excessive sleep

T Trapped- feeling no way out of the situation they are in

H Hoplessness

W Withdrawal - Withdrawal from friends, family, or society

A Anger- Uncontrolled anger or rage

R Recklessness - Acting or engaging in risky or reckless behaviors

M Mood - Dramatic mood changes

Intervention starts by Knowing the signs and symptoms of suicide. Once you suspect someone may be contemplating suicide, it is important to know what questions to Ask and what actions to take.

You can remember these actions through

KNOW,  ASK,  LISTEN,  CONNECT.

DO NOT AT ANY TIME PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER. IF THE PERSON IN CRISIS HAS A WEAPON OR IS AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO SELF AND/OR OTHERS, CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY.

Many have pointed out that the risk factors for suicide mirror the population of the fire service. Importantly, it has also been noted that thousands of signs, symptoms and risk factors have been reported by various organizations. Using those risk factors to try and predict who will attempt or commit suicide has thusfar proven to be challenging even for professionals. The Center For Disease Control has listed the following prominate characteritstics as some of the possible contributing factor for increased risk of suicide:

• family history of suicide and/or child maltreatment.
• previous suicide attempt.
• history of mental disorders and/or alcohol/substance abuse.
• feelings of hopelessness.
• impulsive or aggresive tendancies.
• local epidemics of suicide.
• isolation from others.
• barrriers to treatment including stigma.
• loss (relational, social, work, or financial).
• physical illness.
• access to lethal means.

Although it is not necessary for all of these risk factors to be present for someone to committ suicide, they should be used to raise your index of suspician. If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide, don't hesitate to act.

For every one successful suicide there are 25 others that have attempted suicide. For every 25 attempts there are 50 people that have had thoughts about taking their own life.