Hidden Signals: Recognizing Suicidal Ideation in Everyday Conversations
Suicide Prevention

Hidden Signals: Recognizing Suicidal Ideation in Everyday Conversations

Suicidal thoughts rarely announce themselves. More often, they hide in offhand comments, dark jokes, or sudden changes in behavior.

July 17, 20241 min read

Suicidal thoughts rarely announce themselves. More often, they hide in offhand comments, dark jokes, or sudden changes in behavior. Mental Health First Aid Israel trains volunteers to catch these hidden signals.

Phrases like "I can't do this anymore," "Nobody would miss me," or "I just want it to stop" are invitations to ask more. So are behavioral shifts: giving away possessions, withdrawing from loved ones, or suddenly settling affairs.

MHFA protocol encourages direct follow-up: "When you say you want it to stop, what do you mean?" This clarifies risk without projecting assumptions.

Listening closely saves lives.

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