Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
Lets talk about the warning signs of suicide. It is important to be aware of them so you can recognize the signs. While it can look different for everyone, there are some common things to look out for related to talk, behavior, and mood. The overall main thing to be aware of is a sudden or extreme change in someone.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these warning signs of suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can call the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255. The Trevor Project also has a lifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or text START 678-678.
Warning Signs
Talking about:
Wanting to die or kill oneself
Feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Being a burden to others
Having no reason to live
Feeling trapped
Having unbearable pain
Behavior:
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or reckless
Looking up ways to kill oneself
Sleeping too much or too little
Isolating from family and friends
Visiting or calling to say goodbye to friends / family
Giving away possessions
Mood:
Displaying extreme mood swings
Depression
Anxiety
Increased irritability
Feeling empty, hopeless
Sources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2021). Risk factors and warning signs. Retrieved from https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Warning signs of suicide. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide/index.shtml
Sucide Awareness Voices of Education. (2021). Warning Signs of Suicide – SAVE. Retrieved from https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-protective-factors/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org