Warning Signs
Warning Signs for Suicide Include:
- Talking About Dying
Any talk about suicide, dying, disappearing or harming or killing oneself.
- Preparing to Die
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. Putting affairs in order, tying up lose ends, giving things away. Withdrawing from friends and family - quieter than usual.
- Looking for Ways to Die
Preoccupation with means to die by suicide, seeking information about how to die, and seeking to obtain means to kill oneself.
- Recent Loss or Humiliation
Through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of religious faith, loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed. Facing a situation of humiliation or failure.
- Change in Personality or Emotions
Sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic. A sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or happy.
- Change in Behavior
Tempting fate by taking reckless or impulsive risks that could lead to death. Can't concentrate on routine tasks. Losing interesting in things one used to care about (hobbies, sports, work, school.) Worsening personal appearance
- Change in Sleep Patterns
Insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, nightmares
- Change in Eating Habits
Loss of appetite and weight, or overeating
- Low Self-Esteem
Feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, "everyone would be better off without me"
- No Hope for the Future
Expressing a sense of hopelessness, "it"s never going to get any better"
Warning signs serve as a signal that a suicide attempt may be imminent and need to be addressed immediately when noticed.