Suicide warning signs are not always obvious. Some people make their intentions clear and others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret. Here are some of the signs to watch for:
- Talking or writing about suicide. Making statements such as, “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I
was dead,” or “I am just so tired of life”.
- Buying guns or knives, or stockpiling pills
- Withdrawing from social contact
- Having severe mood swings
- Thinking constantly about death, dying or violence
- Be depressed or having a sense of hopelessness
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Changing normal routine, including eating and sleeping patterns
- Doing risky or self destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
- Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
- Saying goodbye to people as if for the last time
- Having personality changes, like an outgoing person becoming withdrawn, or a well behaved
person suddenly acting rebellious.
Additional Risk Factors
- Stress over school, relationships, expectations
- Previous suicide attempts — almost half of teens who commit suicide had made previous attempts
- Family history of abuse, suicide or violence
- A recent loss such as a death, breakup or parents’ divorce
- Being bullied or being a bully; Cyber bullying
- An estimated 75% to 90% of adolescent suicide deaths are associated with mental illness
- LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning) are 4 times more likely to make a
suicide attempt than their peers
Learn more and see suggestions for what to say at Know the Signs.
