Mr. and Mrs. Smith are concerned about their 15-year-old son, Wesley. He has withdrawn from his friends and seems depressed. Recently, Wesley stated, “You’d be better off if I were dead.” Should the Smiths be concerned? Provide them with the warning signs of suicide
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Yes, the Smiths should be concerned about Wesley because he is exhibiting some of the warning signs of suicide. The warning signs include:
? Efforts to put personal affairs in order—smoothing over troubled relationships, giving away treasured possessions
? Verbal cues—saying goodbye to family members and friends, making direct or indirect references to suicide (“I won’t have to worry about these problems much longer”; “I wish I were dead”)
? Feelings of sadness, despondency, “not caring” anymore
? Extreme fatigue, lack of energy, boredom
? No desire to socialize; withdrawal from friends
? Easily frustrated
? Volatile mood swings—spells of crying or laughing, angry outbursts
? Inability to concentrate, distractibility
? Decline in grades, absence from school, discipline problems
? Neglect of personal appearance
? Sleep change—loss of sleep or excessive sleepiness
? Obtaining a weapon or other means of self-harm, such as prescription medications
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