Warning Signs

Can you recognize the signs?

People who are in danger of taking their own lives may try to reach out to others - sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly. Rarely will at-risk individuals immediately volunteer the information that they are thinking of harming themselves. Instead they might exhibit some of the following warning signs:

• Talking about suicide, death, or preoccupation with dying. Might say, “I wish I were dead” or “People would be better off if I am not around” or “Soon you won’t have to worry about me” or “I just can’t take it anymore. I am done.”
• Has a suicidal plan and the means to carry it through (note: many attempts, especially in youth are impulsive. Thus, absence of a plan is not evidence of absence of risk)
• Trouble eating or sleeping (sleeping all the time, unable to sleep at all, not able to eat or overeating)
• Intensity of distress and agitation accompanied by depression.
• Significant changes in behavior and/or personality
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of interest in activities, work, school, hobbies, or social interactions
• Deteriorating physical appearance
• Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye
• Previous suicide attempts
• Increased drug and/or alcohol use
• Statements about hopelessness, or worthlessness or feeling like a burden to others
• Taking unnecessary risks
• Sudden happiness or calmness following a depressed mood
• Obsession with suicidal means (guns, knives, hanging materials)
• Problems in school or work performance
• Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms
• An inability to concentrate, trouble remembering things
• Stockpiling medications
• Buying a gun
• Taking a sudden interest or losing interest in religion
• Getting ones affairs in order - paying off debt, getting a will, getting life insurance
• Scheduling medical appointments for vague symptom