When you took your first picture someone experiencing suicidal thoughtsYou can imagine them crying, lying in bed alone or in pain. Suicidal ideation – and depression that may accompany it – often makes people deeply sad or apathetic, which can lead to any of these scenarios.

But there is another indicator of suicidal thoughts that may be unexpected or confusing at first: the sudden action of someone with a mental health problem. A lot happy or carefree. While this may seem like a good sign, it can actually be worrying.

How Looking Happy and Carefree Can Be a Warning of Suicide?

Here’s the thing: If a person with a mental health problem suddenly seems cheerful and relaxed, it may be because they’ve decided that: die by suicide. As a result, they are comforted by two things: the thought that they will no longer suffer and the fact that they can stop discussing this decision with themselves. At this point and for this person, dying is the only answer.

Ultimately, he stated that we should view suicide as a very painful health problem. Doreen Marshallis vice president of mission engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“Despite this pain, those with suicidal thoughts may also be uncertain about whether to live or die,” he explained. “Thoughts of ending their suffering may be met with relief, similar to the relief we feel when physical pain is alleviated.”

There is another reason that may be at play. “It is also possible that, even if they are having difficulty making the decision internally, they are masking how they really feel in order to prevent loved ones and mental health professionals from learning about their intention to die,” he said. Danielle DellaquilaAssociate therapist at Gateway to Solutions in New York City. “Therefore, it is extremely important that we do not stop assessing suicide when we see sudden improvement in mental health symptoms.”

suicidal people They’re dealing with different brain chemistry that puts them in a dark place with tunnel vision. Moreover, this intense level of emotional pain can be blinding.

“For example, their brains work differently in terms of reasoning, concentration, how they see the world, problem solving, etc.,” Marshall said.

The Difference Between Suicide, A Better Day, and Madness

But there has to be a line, right? How do we know if a person’s happier attitude is a sign that they’re planning to harm themselves, not a sign that they’re having a better day? Or against the “highs” and energy that mania requires. in bipolar disorder?

First, consider the context. “If an individual’s suddenly happy or carefree behavior increases without any explanation, this is an indication to investigate further and not be afraid to ask about the change, as well as ask directly about suicidal thoughts,” Marshall said. (More on this in a moment.)

Then, look for other signs of mania and suicidality and note how they differ. “Manic episodes include other symptoms that are not necessarily common for a person struggling with suicidality, such as grandiosity or grandiosity,” Dellaquila said. “Those experiencing a manic episode often appear happy, while a person with suicidal intentions is more likely to appear calmer and happier, although this may not be as pleasing.”

Some other symptoms of mania include rapid speech, decreased need for sleep and increased participation in goal-directed activities, Dr. Howard Weekschief medical officer of the Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center. “Mania is also a concerning psychiatric condition and requires referral to local mental health crisis centres,” he added. In other words, getting professional help can be a smart move no matter what.

signs of suicideOn the other hand, I’m talking about suicide (e.g., “I would be better off dead”), resorting to lethal methods, giving away cherished items, and saying goodbye and implying that you will never see someone again. Symptoms may also vary from person to person. For example, Depressed black womenYou may notice greater self-criticism and physical symptoms such as headaches, low libido, and gastrointestinal problems.

Week said sudden happiness or relief isn’t a sign you’ll experience it. commonly It is seen in people experiencing suicidal thoughts. “Nothing is ‘sure,’ and many patients who decide to attempt suicide do not experience this shift in mood,” Weeks said. “But this could be a warning sign.”

At the same time, the “masking” element that Dellaquila mentions is very real. “The important thing to remember is that many patients do not show classic symptoms of severe depression on the surface,” Weeks said. “They can be very good at masking their underlying emotions and appear happy and content in different social situations.”

The bottom line, according to Marshall, is this: “A sudden change in a person’s speech pattern, mood, or behavior requires our attention.”

How to Help and Support Someone Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts?

You can and should ask if someone is planning to die by suicide. As uncomfortable as it may be to raise this question, it is very important. And it won’t “give the person insight” as you might (understandably) worry. A study in the field of Psychological Medicine.

“Oftentimes, if someone cares enough to hear about their experience with suicidal thoughts, they will be comforted,” Marshall explained.

It is vital to remember that one may not always be present. to say They plan to harm themselves, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need support.

“Even if they say no, if you are concerned, you can still encourage them to reach out for help with their treatment team (therapist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, primary care doctor) or call 988,” Weeks said. (ICYMI, New number of 988 suicide hotline(You can call or send a message.)

Instead of asking directly, Marshall suggested staying calm, trusting your instincts, reminding them that you love them, and reassuring them that you heard what they said and aren’t judging or belittling them. She also recommended reminding them that they are not alone in what they are going through, normalizing mental health conversations, and offering to help them connect with other resources.

“Take the time to calmly listen to what they have to say and ask some follow-up questions, like how often they have suicidal thoughts or what they need to do to feel safe,” she added. “Also reassure them that help is available and that these feelings are a sign that it is time to talk to a mental health professional.” (Open Road Collective There is a database of more affordable therapists.) She then suggested taking this person to the emergency room and staying with him to make sure he was taken care of and safe.

Even though you’re not that person’s medical provider, your role as a friend, family member or loved one is also important, Weeks said: “You’re not their mental health professional, but you can help them access care.”This article was first published on: HuffPost.To reach us, call 988 in the US. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Other international suicide helplines can be found at: befrienders.org. Trevor Project, It is 1-866-488-7386, which provides assistance and suicide prevention resources to LGBTQ youth.