WARNING SIGNS

​Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings. Prevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.

Words

If a person talks about:
  • Suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
  • Feeling trapped 
  • Feeling worthless or a burden to others

Demeanor

Be aware of these behaviors:
  • Increased use of drugs and alcohol
  • Impulsiveness and unnecessary risk taking 
  • Making a plan i.e. giving away prized possessions, sudden purchase of firearm, acquiring poisons or medications, etc. 
  • Unexpected rage or anger 

Mood

Observable signs of depression:
  • Pessimism
  • Hopelessness
  • Desperation
  • Anxiety, physical pain & inner tension
  • Withdrawal
  • Problems with sleep 

RISK FACTORS

​Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life.

Health

Environmental

Historical
  • Depression
  • Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Borderline or antisocial personality disorder
  • Conduct disorder
  • Psychotic disorders, or psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance abuse disorders
  • Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain
  • Stressful life events which may include a death, divorce, or job loss
  • Prolonged stress factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment
  • Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
  • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
  • Family history of suicide
  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Sex: Males are three to five times more likely to die by suicide than females.
  • Age: Elderly Caucasian males have the highest suicide rates.