Warning Signs of Increased Risk for Suicide

The presence of any or all of these symptoms may not mean that the person is suicidal. Also a person could be suicidal without having any of these symptoms. These are just some things to consider. If you suspect the person is suicidal, trust your judgment. It is better to investigate than to ignore it and be wrong. There is no substitute for an open line of communication.

• Depression

• Talking about dying and suicide (most obvious and most often ignored)

• Boredom with tasks they previously enjoyed

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in personality (rapid mood swings, explosive anger, withdrawing from friends or activities previously enjoyed)

• Drop in grades

• Statements like “I won’t be around to bother anyone anymore” or “You’d be better off without me”

• Giving away prized possessions

• Self-injury

• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness (“No one can help”, “No one cares”)

• Preoccupation with death

• Self-criticism (“I can’t do anything right”, “I’m stupid/fat/ugly”)

• Suddenly happier, calmer, more peaceful (this sometimes happens when people have decided to kill themselves)

• Calling or arranging to see people that they have not seen in a long time

• Loss of energy

• Alcohol or drug abuse (to escape the problem)

• Feelings of guilt or shame

• Marked changes in sleeping or eating habits