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Readers Respond: How Do You Know When You Are At Risk?

Responses: 5

From , former About.com Guide

Updated July 29, 2009

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From the article: Suicide Risk Factors
Many people with BPD have suicidal thoughts from time to time. But there are some critical periods when you are at the greatest risk of a suicide attempt. Have you learned what risk factors signal that you might make an attempt? How do you know that you are becoming unsafe? What do you do when you realize you may make an attempt to keep yourself safe?

Triggers for Suicidal Thoughts

While dealing with severe depression, my suicidal thoughts can be triggered by rejection, disappointment in me expressed by others, others taking anger out on me, feeling alone and isolated because no one is available, others not wanting to be around me because of my depressed state, being misunderstood or discounted.
—Guest Guest Mary

At risk!

I know I'm getting close to the edge when the uncontrolled emotion comes up from deep inside. The feeling of emptiness, life would be better if I was gone..
—Guest David

How I know when I'm at suicide risk

I start to isolate and not want to socialise. I feel overwhelmed and become easily irritated. I feel hopeless - like things will never get better. I feel like life is always going to disappoint me, I feel rejected and unworthy. I often am suffering from my eating disorder when I make serious attempts/serious self harm. I don't feel people understand just how much pain I am in. I think about it, make plans, research different methods and often engage in self-harm.
—Guest Lola

suicide risk

Everything closes in on me and when I find I haven't any ongoing support with a person who understands me I feel like "Whats the use? I'm a nightmare to everyone and would be better of dead." That's how I feel now; I thought after 15 years together that my partner somewhat knew me but he doesn't and I feel that with me gone he would be happy.
—leeanneuren

my experiences with suicide attempts

First of all,I won't let guns or have any guns in my house. On one of my attempts-it was raining-I'd been to a support group that wasn't supportive. I had a trigger because of the group. I was driving my car,and stopped at the light. When the green arrow was in my favor, a southbound car ran the red light when I was getting to make a turn. After I made my turn, I began to swerve all over the road. I aimed for a nearby tree to end it. I changed my mind seconds before hitting it. too late. I ruined my car and got a black eye. I felt worthless.
—Guest Martha Moncrief
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  5. Suicide Risk Factors - When Are You Most at Most Suicide Risk

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