Dr. Robert Turner Reminds People of the Warning Signs for Suicide Ideation

Suicide is a nationwide problem, as Dr. Robert Turner sees all too often. It can happen to anyone: teenagers, adults, men, women, and people of all walks of life. All too often, people hear the words, "We never imagined they were going through something like this." And that's because the warning signs of someone with suicidal ideation are often easily overlooked.

With the world's renewed focus on mental health and illness, it's time to remind everyone of the warning signs.

• Talking about wanting to die or end their lives - It's a warning flag when a person talks about wanting to die or end their life or is feeling hopeless and having no purpose in their life. Dr. Robert Turner explains that this may suggest that they've begun considering why they're in this world and that they don't place value in themselves enough to want to stay alive.

• Talking about being trapped or being a burden – When a person is constantly hopeless and talks about feeling trapped, they may think that they are burdening others with their presence. As a result, they look for ways out of their situation.

• Substance abuse, recklessness, and agitation - Someone who no longer values themselves or their life starts to become reckless. They will stop looking after themselves and purposely get them into danger. Dr. Robert Turner adds that they may increase alcohol consumption and turn to drugs as a way to cope or as a protracted means to find their final escape.

• Displaying extreme mood swings – Someone who no longer seeks to control their actions or emotions may have severe mood swings feeling nothing matters anymore. They may be thrilled at one moment, angry in another, or sad and withdrawn at the next instant. It's an indicator of someone losing their will to control even their emotions.

If you notice these indicators of crisis, don't hesitate to reach out and help. Even just listening to them and talking to them may help them find a way out that they didn't think they had before. And it may just be what they need to keep them from going over the edge.