Know The Signs

Pain isn’t always obvious, but most suicidal people show some signs that they are thinking about suicide. The signs may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. If you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change, step in or speak up.

Signs of Suicide Can Include:

 

PUTTING AFFAIRS IN ORDER

• They rush to complete or revise a will.

 

GIVING AWAY POSSESSIONS

• They give away prized or favorite possessions.

 

ANXIETY OR AGITATION

They appear nervous, shaken or worried

 

SUDDEN MOOD CHANGES

• They are uncharacteristically sad or depressed or are unusually happy or content after a period of significant depression.

 

WITHDRAWAL

• They stop talking to and doing things with others or stop doing activities they once enjoyed. They feel isolated.

 

TALKING ABOUT BEING A BURDEN TO OTHERS

• Talking about being a burden to others. Views that one’s existence burdens family, friends and/or society.

 

RECKLESS BEHAVIOR

• They act in ways that could be dangerous or detrimental and they do not seem to care about the consequences.
• They spend money recklessly.

 

CHANGES IN SLEEP

• They sleep more or can’t sleep and are restless.

 

FEELING HOPELESS, DESPERATE, TRAPPED

• They don’t see their situation or life changing for the better and don’t see a way out. They make statements that hint that life seems pointless.

 

NO SENSE OF PURPOSE

• They feel like a burden to others.
• They feel worthless.

 

INCREASED ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE

• ​​​​They increase use of alcohol or drugs.

 

TALKING ABOUT WANTING TO DIE OR SUICIDE

• Their statements might be subtle or vague.
• They may be direct and literally say they are going to kill themselves
• Thoughts may be reflected in something written or drawn.

 

UNCONTROLLED ANGER

• They express or act in ways that reflect hostility, bitterness, or resentment or rage. They talk about seeking revenge. 

Teen Signs:

LOSS OF INTEREST

• They lose interest in pleasurable activities they once enjoyed.

 

SUDDEN MOOD CHANGES

• They become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression

 

GIVING AWAY POSESSIONS

• They give away favorite possessions or throw away important belongings.

 

PERSONALITY CHANGE

• They show a significant personality change.

 

NEGLECT OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE

• They have an unusual neglect of personal appearance, lack of personal hygiene, and stop caring about even basic grooming.

 

PHYSICAL PAIN

• They frequently complain about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, etc.

 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

• They are drinking alcohol or using other drugs.

 

WITHDRAWAL

• They withdraw from friends and family, stop talking to and doing things with others or stop doing activities they once enjoyed. They feel isolated.

 

CHANGES IN SLEEP

• They sleep more or can’t sleep and are restless.

 

RECKLESS BEHAVIOR

• They act in ways that could be dangerous or detrimental and they do not seem to care about the consequences.​

Older Adult Signs CAN Include:

FAILURE TO TAKE CARE OF SELF

• They neglect personal appearance, hygiene, don't change clothes for extended periods of time, don't eat or eat poorly.

 

CHANGES IN SLEEP

• They sleep more or can't sleep and are restless or have a disruption in sleep patterns.

 

SAYING GOODBYE

• They give away possessions, indicate they are saying farewell or end relationships.

 

GETTING AFFAIRS IN ORDER

• They rush to complete or revise a will.

 

DEPRESSION

• They show persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue.

 

HOPELESSNESS

• They make statements of hopelessness.

 

NEGLECTING DOCTOR’S ORDERS

• They ignore medical advice.

 

INCREASED SUBSTANCE USE

• They increase alcohol or drug use.

 

PREOCCUPIED WITH DEATH

• They persistently read, talk or think about death or suicide

 

WITHDRAWAL

• They withdraw or isolate from friends and family. They stop talking to and doing things with others or stop doing activities they once enjoyed.

 

LOOKING FOR MEANS TO SELF-HARM

• They stockpile medications or show sudden interest in firearms.