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
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