Heartbreaking Tweet Demonstrates the Subtle Warning Signs of Suicide

A heartbreaking tweet posted by Twitter user Georgie Brown started an important conversation about the suicide warning signs we sometimes miss, unfortunately, based on his own personal experience. The Scottish man shared that weeks after calling his brother’s depression an “excuse” for his messy room, his brother died by suicide.

A few weeks ago I walked into my brothers room and moaned at the state of it he told me he was depressed I said it was an excuse 3 days ago they pulled his body out the river, if someone talks LISTEN

— Georgie brown #letsgo (@Georgie66291217) December 14, 2018

The tweet has been retweeted over 43,000 times, and a follow-up tweet gained even more traction. In response to Brown, Twitter user Eiri wrote, “Depression presents itself in subtle forms: messy room, dirty clothes, unwashed dishes, laying in bed 24/7, not showering, skipping meals, cancelling plans Its hard to spot, its harder to talk about but its impossible to get them back once theyre gone. Dont ignore the signs. Ask.”

Depression presents itself in subtle forms: messy room, dirty clothes, unwashed dishes, laying in bed 24/7, not showering, skipping meals, cancelling plans
Its hard to spot, its harder to talk about but its impossible to get them back once theyre gone. Dont ignore the signs. Ask. https://t.co/NJWDO3uqWM

— eiri (@EirianeddMunro) December 15, 2018

Two-thirds of people who die by suicide do tell someone about their thoughts or plans ahead of time, but someone’s suicidality can also come out in their behaviors. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, behaviors that act as warning signs include:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
• Withdrawing from activities
• Isolating from family and friends
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
• Giving away prized possessions

Everyone’s depression comes out differently, and it can be hard to tell when someone’s “just depressed” or if they’re seriously thinking about suicide. That’s why, as Eiri pointed out, it’s important to ask. Contrary to what was previously believed, talking to someone about suicide won’t make them more suicidal or “plant’ the idea in their head. And especially because the signs can be so subtle, a straightforward conversation can be lifesaving.

So what do you do if someone tells you they’re suicidal or starts exhibiting behaviors that make you worried? We identified five things you can do in a piece called “What to Do When You’re Worried a Loved One Might Be Suicidal.” A shorter version of the list is below, but you can read the whole piece here.

1. Know the signs.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. 

3. Stay as calm as possible.

4. Assess how serious the situation is.

5. Stay connected.

Of course, hindsight is 20/20. If you’re a suicide loss survivor who feels guilty because you might have missed a sign, know that you did the best you could with the information available. If you’re struggling with a suicide loss and don’t know where to turn, head here for more information.

Thanks to Brown for starting such an important conversation so soon after his brother’s death. The mental health system can still do so much more to help people who are struggling, but the more everyone knows about the subtle signs of suicide, the more we can help each other.