If you spot the warning signs of suicide in someone you care about, you may wonder if it’s a good idea to say anything. What if you’re wrong? What if the person gets angry? In such situations, it’s natural to feel uncomfortable or afraid. But anyone who talks about suicide or shows other warning signs needs immediate help—the sooner the better.
Suicide Warning Signs |
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Talking about suicide | Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again…,” and “I’d be better off dead.” |
Seeking out lethal means | Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. |
Preoccupation with death | Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death. |
No hope for the future | Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped (“There’s no way out”). Belief that things will never get better or change. |
Self-loathing, self-hatred | Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden (“Everyone would be better off without me”). |
Getting affairs in order | Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members. |
Saying goodbye | Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again. |
Withdrawing from others | Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone. |
Self-destructive behavior | Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a “death wish.” |
Sudden sense of calm | A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide. |
Resources
- Boystown National Hotline 800.448.3000 | TDD 800-448-1833
- Helping Teens with Grief LPS Publication
- Lancaster County Community Health Center 24 Hour Crisis 402.441.7940
- LGBTQ Student Resources
- Mourning Hope 402.488.8989
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800.273.TALK
- Nebraska Family Helpline 888-866-8660
- Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition
- SOS Friends for Life: Preventing Teen Suicide
- Suicide Hotline 800.784.2433 | 800.799.4TTY (4889)
- The Trevor Project National Crisis & Suicide Prevention Helpline for LGBTQ Youth
- Yellow Ribbon Program 800-273-8255 or 800-784-2433