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 He has withdrawn from his friends and seems depressed.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"

Question

Should the Smiths be concerned? Provide them with the warning signs of suicide.
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

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
– Emotional outbursts—spells of crying or laughing, bursts of energy
– Inability to concentrate, distractible
– Decline in grades, absence from school, discipline problems
– Neglect of personal appearance
– Sleep change—loss of sleep or excessive sleepiness
– Appetite change—eating more or less than usual
– Physical complaints—stomachaches, backaches, headaches