Dauphin County ASPIRE: Allies for Suicide Prevention
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Warning Signs

Warning signs of suicide are indicators that a person may be in acute danger and may urgently need help.

  • Talking about suicide, wanting to die, or kill oneself
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless, or having no purpose or reason to live
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
  • Suddenly happier and calmer, especially after a period of depression or sadness
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Making a will or arrangements for funeral
  • Preoccupation with death
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing from family/friends and isolating oneself
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
  • Recent increased agitation or irritability
Dauphin County ASPIRE: Allies for Suicide Prevention
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Risk Factors

Risk factors do not cause or predict a suicide, rather they are characteristics that make it more likely an individual will consider, attempt or die by suicide.

  • Recent Loss of Significant Relationship
  • Previous suicide attempt
  • Family history of suicide
  • Someone close to the person has died by suicide
  • Loss of job, home, money
  • Death or terminal illness of a loved one
  • Loss of health, either real or imagined
  • Easy access to lethal means
  • History of Trauma or abuse
  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation
  • Recent disappointment or rejection
  • Being expelled from school/fired from job
  • Sudden loss of freedom/fear of punishment
  • Victim of assault or bullying
  • Questioning gender