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

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"

Mental disorders with the greatest prevalence of suicide risk

Environmental

Factors

Historical Factors

Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

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