This is the second instalment from the soon-to-be-released second edition of the book Confronting Suicide: Helping Teens at Risk by Dr Donovan Thomas.

IT IS a fact that everyone who contemplates or commits suicide, not just teenagers, tends to leave clear signs of their fatal intentions. A particular challenge then, for any and all of us who 'mingle' directly or indirectly with youth, and others, is to become acquainted with these signs, so that we might use such knowledge to aid in the critical exercise of suicide prevention.

Many suicides could have been prevented if pastors, parents, counsellors, friends, acquaintances and civic leaders had been more familiar and, consequently, more alert concerning the signals indicating suicidal tendency. It, therefore, seems prudent that some of these indicators be presented at this time and, as such, 10 common suicidal 'signs' are identified and briefly explained below.

1. Detailed 'exit' plan

The formulation of a detailed plan to carry out a suicidal act is a very strong indication of risk. Research findings indicate that the more clear and more detailed the plans, the more likely the execution of intention. Details one should look for include method, time and place. Such specifics indicate someone more at risk than someone who provides vague descriptions.

An important aspect concerns the availability, access and opportunity. Studies show that suicidal potential is particularly heightened if the individual has direct access to the means of suicide, such as sleeping tablets, a high-rise window or a loaded pistol. In light of all this, however, carefully planned suicidal acts tend to be rare

2. Previous suicide attempt(s)

Research indicates strongly that a previous suicidal attempt is possibly the greatest indicator of risk. Of all completed suicides, about 45 per cent have had previous attempts. On the whole, just about 10 per cent of those who attempt suicide usually end up taking their lives. According to Diane Eble:

"Four out of five young people who kill themselves this year will have attempted suicide before. About 12 per cent of those who attempt suicide this year will try again and be successful within two years. The main thing is to prevent that first attempt. We know that if we can get a kid who is temporarily suicidal not to make that first attempt, the likelihood is we can keep that person."

Teenagers operating within a context where suicide was attempted or committed tend to be vulnerable. Studies have shown that suicidal acts increased in schools after there had been known prior suicidal acts or attempts:

Two male and two female students ... killed themselves by inhaling fumes ... They killed themselves after a friend had committed suicide. Tragically, their deaths were followed by two other young women who used the same method of death. (David Sue, Stanley Sue and Derald Wing Sue, Understanding Abnormal Behaviour)

When a suicide has taken place within a school, a heightened risk is brought on because of the proximity to the students' daily life. In such a situation, an immediate suicide-prevention programme should be implemented to let students vent their feelings in an environment equipped to respond appropriately and through this intervention perhaps even save their lives.

3. Spoken threat

Another serious sign of suicidal tendency is the spoken threat of suicide. The following expressions should always be taken seriously:

"I am going to kill myself"

" I want to die"

"If such or such an event/incident occurs, I'll kill myself."

Some threats may be more benign and include expressions such as:

"I can't take it any longer"

"It's not worth it."

Persons who threaten to kill themselves are more likely to carry out the act than those who do not.

NEXT WEEK: Sevenother signs of suicidal tendency will be discussed.

POSITIVE Parenting