Warning Signs

Suicide Warning Signs

• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time
  (Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.)

• Talking or writing about death or suicide

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Feeling hopeless

• Feeling helpless

• Feeling strong anger or rage 

• Experiencing dramatic mood changes

• Abusing drugs or alcohol

• Exhibiting a change in personality

• Acting impulsively

• Losing interest in most activities

• Experiencing a change in sleeping habits

• Experiencing a change in eating habits

• Losing interest in most activities

• Performing poorly at work or in school

• Giving away prized possessions

• Writing a will

• Feeling excessive guilt or shame

• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated

It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs. However, most people will give some sort of warning sign that they are contemplating suicide.

Adapted from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.