Warning Signs

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