Warning Signs

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• Sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, anxious, irritable or angry.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”