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Warning Signs

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Talk

 

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves

  • Feeling hopeless

  • Having no reason to live

  • Being a burden to others

  • Feeling trapped

  • Intolerable pain

Verbal Clues

  • "I've decided to kill myself"

  • "I wish i were dead"

  • "Im going to end it all

Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Loss of interest

  • Irritability

  • Humiliation/Shame

  • Agitation/Anger

  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

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Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs

  • Past suicide attempt

  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods

  • Withdrawing from activities

  • Isolating from family and friends

  • Self destructive acts (I.E cutting)

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

  • Chronic Truancy, running away 

  • Giving away prized possessions

  • Uexplained Aggression

  • Fatigue

Behavior 

Indirect Verbal Clues

  • "I wont be around much longer"

  •  " I just want out"

  • "Tired of being a burden"

  • "My family would be better off without me"

      

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Mental disorders with the greatest prevalence of suicide risk 

Environmental 

Factors

Historical Factors

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  • Previous suicide attempts

  • Family history of suicide

  • Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

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  • Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs

  • Family problems / Alienation 

  • Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment

  • Financial problems

  • Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss

  • Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illeness

  • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

  • Mental health conditions

    • Depression

    • Substance use problems

    • Bipolar disorder

    • Schizophrenia

    • Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships

    • Conduct disorder

    • Anxiety disorders

  • Serious physical health conditions including pain

  • Traumatic brain injury