Group home residents sometimes are more prone to depression. Three of the reasons that put them at risk are:
- Medication side effects
- Inability to have control over life
- Undeveloped coping skills
If there are any signs of depression contact a health care professional. If there is an immediate risk, call 911.
These are some of the warning signs of suicide:
- Threats of suicide (direct or indirect)
- Hints verbally (”It’s hopeless”, “It doesn’t matter, I won’t be around”, etc)
- Putting “affairs” in order (giving away prized possessions)
- Sudden onset of cheerfulness after depression (has made the decision to commit suicide and feels a relief from pain is in sight)
- Obsession with death (writing, researching)
- Drastic drop in job or school performance
- Sleeping and eating patterns disrupted for an extended time
Most people who attempt suicide will clear warning signs. Please don’t ignore those signs. It’s better to get a resident to help who may not need it, than to have a resident not receive the help he or she needs before it’s too late.
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