Most of the time, a suicidal person will show signs that they are in trouble and thinking about taking their own life.
When a person is suicidal, they do NOT want to end their life, they want to end their pain.
Warning Signs
- Noticeable change in behavior.
- Talk about suicide, death and/or no reason to live.
- Withdraw from friends and/or social activities.
- Prepare for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements.
- Give away prized possessions.
- Have attempted suicide before.
- Take unnecessary risks; be reckless, and/or impulsive.
- Increase their use of alcohol or drugs.
- Obsession with death.
- Decline in performance or participation in activities.
- Suicidal gesturing or reckless behavior.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Unusual purchases; a weapon, rope, or pills.
- Talking about suicide or dying.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Previous suicide attempts.
- Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness.
- Inability to concentrate or trouble remembering.
- Loss of interest in school, work, hobbies, social interactions.
- Taking unnecessary risks.
- Signs of depression; change in appetite, feelings of hopelessness, etc.
- Experience drastic changes in behavior.
- Trouble sleeping; sleeping all the time or not being able to sleep at all.
- Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms.
- Be preoccupied with death and dying.
- Express a sense of hopelessness.
- Lose interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Sudden happiness after a long depression.
- Lose interest in their personal appearance.
- Have a history of violence or hostility.
- Have been unwilling to “connect” with potential helpers.
- A recent severe loss (especially relationship) or threat of a significant loss.
- Be faced with a situation of humiliation or failure.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
