It could be small things like them withdrawing from social activities they used to enjoy. Maybe they stopped going to parties or hanging out with mutual friends. Another sign might be changes in their sleeping or eating patterns. If they suddenly started sleeping too much or too little, or their appetite changed drastically.
Often, there are signs that are easy to overlook. They might have become more irritable or moody than usual. Little comments about feeling hopeless or worthless could also be signs. For example, if they said things like 'I'm just a burden' and you thought they were just having a bad day. Also, giving away their prized possessions without a clear reason could be a sign that you might have missed.
Often, a change in mood is a big sign. If your friend was more withdrawn, sadder, or more irritable than usual, that could be a sign. Another sign might be a change in sleep patterns, like sleeping too much or too little. Also, if they started giving away their possessions, that could be a red flag. Maybe they seemed to lose interest in things they used to love, like hobbies or sports.
There are several signs that might have been overlooked. For instance, if your friend was constantly talking about death or suicide in a non - joking way. Changes in sleeping or eating patterns, like not sleeping at all or overeating, could be signs too. Also, a loss of interest in activities they used to love is a red flag. Maybe they stopped going to their favorite hobby club or quit playing a sport they were passionate about.
First, allow yourself to feel all the emotions. Don't suppress your sadness, anger or guilt. Cry if you need to. Second, talk about it. Share your feelings with other friends or family members. They can offer support. Also, consider seeking professional help like a therapist. They are trained to help you process such a difficult situation.
Coping with the loss of a friend to suicide is a long and complex process. It's okay to have bad days and good days. Try to focus on the positive memories you had with your friend. Join a support group if possible, where you can meet others who have gone through similar experiences. This can make you feel less alone. Also, take care of your physical health. Eat well, exercise and get enough sleep as these can all have an impact on your mental state.
Share your feelings with others who are close to you or who have also experienced a similar loss. You can talk about your memories of your friend and how much you miss them. Talking helps in unburdening the heart. Another way is to engage in activities that your friend liked or that bring you peace. Maybe it's painting if your friend was an artist, or listening to music you both enjoyed. This can be a way to keep their memory alive while also finding some solace.
You can cope by writing down your feelings in a journal. Every day, write about how you're feeling, your memories of your friend, and what you miss the most. Another way is to get involved in a support group for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. There, you'll meet others who understand exactly what you're going through. And don't forget to take care of your physical health. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. A healthy body can better handle the emotional stress.
We can learn the importance of mental health awareness. Often in these stories, there are signs that were missed. It shows that we need to be more observant of our friends' emotional states.
Well, a big warning sign might have been their self - deprecating talk. If they were constantly putting themselves down and saying things like they were a burden to others. Also, a decline in academic or work performance could be a sign. They might have lost interest in things they were previously passionate about. And if they were increasingly isolating themselves from family and friends, that's a sign that something was seriously wrong and might have been overlooked.
There could be some signs. Maybe they became withdrawn, stopped doing things they used to love. For example, if they were into sports and suddenly quit. Another sign could be changes in their sleeping or eating patterns. If they used to be a good sleeper and suddenly had insomnia, or if they lost their appetite. Also, if they started giving away their possessions for no obvious reason.
Perhaps the friend showed the boy all the positive things in life and convinced him that there's always hope. They could have also sought professional help together.