Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced missing SUNY Buffalo State student Saniyya Dennis was presumed dead by suicide, many are looking for signs to watch out for among friends who may contemplate suicide as well.
Brittany Palermo of Best Self Behavioral Health says it doesn't take long for someone to become suicidal.
"All it takes is having one significantly bad day can lead you down a thought pattern that spirals, and it's hard to reach out, even to let your most trusted loved ones know you're struggling on that level," says Palermo. She says in many cases when people are suicidal, their ability to cope is currently outmatched by the intensity of their stressors. "When you think about it that way, anyone could be suicidal if they were presented enough stressors and if they didn't have adequate coping strategies," notes Palermo.
What should loved ones look for?
"It's important for all people to know that anyone could experience thoughts like this, and it's important to be tuned in to the warning signs," says Palermo. "If they are behaving in a way that seems out of character or down or quiet, it's important to check in and ask if they're ok." She says changes in eating, sleeping and hygiene patters and social interactions are signs to watch out for as well. Palermo says a major warning sign is giving away personal belongings, which DA John Flynn noted in the Saniyya Dennis case.
Dr. Wendy Weinstein of BryLin Behavioral Health System says there are some types of people who can be impulsive and make snap decisions without thinking. "Their mood gets so overwhelmed and they do something very quickly. These are people who tend to think of things as black and white, and they're very quick to make a decisions, and many times these are snap decisions and not well thought out," says Weinstein.
Weinstein says if someone says he's suicidal, she takes it as face value. "Whether they say they feel better now, I err on the side of caution. Many times police can be called, Crisis Services can be called," says Weinstein. She says there are a number of services in place where you can call to check on someone.
Weinstein says people sometimes don't want to talk, but going to them and asking if they're ok and saying you're there if they need you is all they need.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255. Buffalo and Erie County's 24-hour crisis hotline is (716) 834-3131
