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Fact: close to 800,000 lives are lost to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization.

3 red flags of suicide / Photo Source: Pexels.com

In the Philippines, 2.5 males and 1.7 females per 100,000 die due to suicide, according to a statement issued by the Department of Health.

Losing someone to suicide is heartbreaking, but this tragedy is something we can prevent. We can help deter suicide by learning about and recognizing its warning signs.

Here we've listed the red flags of suicide as discussed by I-Witness.

1. Talk

Pay attention to what the person is talking about. If he or she communicates about killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, and encountering unbearable pain, that could be a signal of a suicidal tendency.

2. Behavior

People who tend to isolate themselves or withdraw from their usual company, people who sleep too little or too much, and people who display a change in appetite may signal a risk of committing suicide.

3. Mood

Take a cue from the change in their mood. People who are considering to take their own life might be experiencing depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation or shame, or agitation or anger.

While the attempt to commit suicide may be noticed in the way they talk, the way they carry their actions, or in the display of their mood, not all of suicide cases had obvious and apparent signals.

We can be more observant and sensitive towards other people to help prevent suicide, but what we can always do is be kind and reach out for help.

Let's offer support, encourage them to seek professional help, and never invalidate their feelings or what they're going through.

Check on your friends and loved ones today!