Conditions associated with the increased risk of suicide

  • Death or illness of a loved one.
  • Divorce, separation, broken relationship.
  • Loss of a job, home, status, personal security.
  • Alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Depression.

Emotional or behavioral changes associated with suicide

  • Overwhelming pain that threatens to exceed the person's coping skills.
  • Hopelessness
  • Powerlessness
  • Sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, anxious, irritable or angry.
  • Declining performance in school or work.
  • Declining interest in sex, friends or fun.
  • Change in sleeping and eating patterns.
  • Neglect of personal welfare and deteriorating physical appearance.
  • Social isolation or association with a group with different moral standards.
  • Worthlessness, shame, guilt, self-hatred, fear of losing control or of harming oneself or others.
  • Difficult times:  holidays, anniversaries, diagnosis of a major illness, during disciplinary proceedings.

Suicidal Behavior

  • Previous suicide attempts or "mini attempts".
  • Statements of suicidal feelings or ideation.
  • Development of a suicidal plan, acquiring the means, rehearsal behavior, setting a time and place for the attempt.
  • Self inflicted injuries such as cutting or burning.
  • Reckless behavior such as dangerous driving or binge drinking.
  • Making out a will or giving away favorite items.
  • Saying goodbye.
  • Ambiguous verbal behavior such as "I am going away"; "You don't have to worry about me anymore."; “I want to go to sleep and never wake up.";  "Is suicide a sin?";  "I just can't go on." ; “Life is not worth living." ;"Voices are telling me to do bad things”