Metafilter | Comments on 20344

The hardest thing about figuring out if someone is at risk for suicide is that depression doesn't always manifest as weepy, low self esteem, isolating, lack of enthusiasm. It often manifests as anger, hostility, risk-taking behavior; particularly in men and in people with Bi-Polar Disorder type II. Also, people will try to act as if everything is normal out of fear of being incarcerated in a psych facility indefinitely, or fear of being thought badly of by family, friends, and associates.


The other misconception is that suicide is always a methodical,well planned event. It can be an impulsive, heat of the moment act, too. I guess what I'm trying to say is that is quite possible that she didn't display any of the signs traditionally associated with suicidal behavior. You shouldn't beat yourself up over "not seeing the signs." Not every person who kills themselves sticks to the classic profile of suicidal behavior.