Signs & symptoms

It may be difficult for you as a staff member to observe these behaviours so listen out for references to these signs and symptoms.

Behaviours:
  • Withdrawal from friends
  • Alcohol or drug misuse
  • Quitting activities which were previously important
  • Putting affairs in order
  • Writing goodbye letters
  • Prior suicidal behaviour
Feelings of:
  • Hopelessness
  • Loneliness
  • Disconnection
  • Worthlessness
  • Shame
Thoughts of:
  • Being helpless: “Nothing I do makes a bit of difference and no one can help me.”
  • Feeling trapped: “I can’t see any way out of this mess.”
  • Feeling like a burden: “They’d be better off without me.”
  • Lack of belonging: “I just don’t fit in anywhere.”
  • Hopeless: “What is the point? Things are never going to get any better.”

(Resourced from Beyondblue)