PREVENTING SUICIDE

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS

Suicide warning signs are not always obvious. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.

• Talking or writing about suicide. Making statements such as, “I’m ready to end it”, “I wish I was dead”, or “I am just so tired of life”.

• Buying weapons such as guns or knives, or stockpiling pills

• Withdrawing from social contact

• Severe mood swings

• Thinking constantly about death, dying or violence

• Depression or a sense of hopelessness

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Changing normal routine, including eating and sleeping patterns

• Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as driving recklessly

• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order

• Saying final goodbyes to people

• Personality changes, such as an outgoing person becoming withdrawn, or a well-behaved person suddenly acting rebellious

ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS

• Stress over school, relationships, career, future

• Previous suicide attempts — nearly half of teens who commit suicide had made previous attempts

• Family history of abuse, suicide or violence

• A recent loss such as a death, break-up or parents’ divorce

• Being bullied or being a bully; including cyberbullying

• An estimated 75-90% of adolescent suicide deaths are associated with mental illness

• LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) individuals are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide in comparison to their peers who identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender.

Learn more, including warning signs that are specific to teens and older adults at Know the Signs: www.suicideispreventable.org/find-the-words