THE SIGNS
Pain isn’t always obvious, but most suicidal people show some signs that they are thinking about suicide. The signs may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. If you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change, step in or speak up.
If any of these signs are present, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
TEENS
Emotional distress in teenagers may not always be apparent, but many young people contemplating suicide exhibit warning signs. These indicators can manifest in their conversations, behaviors, or even through posts on social media. Key signs to watch for include sudden changes in behavior, increased withdrawal or isolation, and expressions of hopelessness or despair. If you notice any of these signs—particularly if they’re new, have intensified, or are linked to a recent painful experience or loss—it’s critical to intervene or voice your concerns.
A sudden or gradual change in personality is a critical sign of depression that may precede suicidal thoughts. An individual who was once outgoing and energetic may become withdrawn, quiet, and noticeably less enthusiastic about engagements they previously enjoyed. These changes can manifest as increased irritability, agitation, or a general indifference to life’s activities. Such shifts are especially significant when they represent a drastic departure from the person’s usual behavior patterns.
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed is a common and distressing sign of depression that can be linked to suicidal ideation. This may involve a noticeable lack of enthusiasm for hobbies, social gatherings, and even daily responsibilities. When someone withdraws from activities that used to bring them joy and satisfaction, it might indicate an underlying struggle with feelings of worthlessness or despair. This change can gradually erode their connection to life, making it a significant red flag that warrants attention.
Withdrawal from social circles and activities is a profound sign of depression that may hint at suicidal thoughts. Individuals may start to isolate themselves, preferring to be alone rather than in the company of friends or family. This withdrawal can extend to avoiding conversations, skipping social events, and spending long periods in solitude. Such behavior can be a protective response to overwhelming emotions or a sign of a deeper psychological distress, and it’s important to address these changes with empathy and concern.
Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene can be a significant indicator of depression or suicidal ideation. Someone who typically takes pride in their appearance might suddenly show little interest in grooming, dressing appropriately, or maintaining personal cleanliness. This neglect often reflects a diminished self-esteem or a lack of motivation, which are common in individuals suffering from severe depression. Such changes in daily self-care routines are important warning signs that should not be overlooked.
Significant changes in sleep patterns are common indicators of depression and can be linked to suicidal thoughts. These changes can manifest as insomnia, where an individual struggles to fall asleep or wakes up frequently during the night, or as hypersomnia, where there is excessive sleeping and difficulty staying awake during the day. Such disturbances in sleep can exacerbate feelings of fatigue, irritability, and sadness, further impacting a person’s mental health. Monitoring these shifts in sleeping habits is crucial as they often signal underlying emotional turmoil.
Sudden mood changes can be a prominent sign of depression and a potential precursor to suicidal thoughts. Individuals may experience dramatic shifts in their emotional state, swinging from moments of sadness to bouts of intense irritability or unexplained anger. These mood swings can be confusing and exhausting for both the individual and those around them, indicating volatile emotional distress. It’s important to take note of these abrupt changes, as they can reveal deeper struggles that might require immediate attention and support.
Unexplained physical pain is often an overlooked symptom of depression that may be linked to suicidal thoughts. Individuals might report persistent aches, headaches, muscle pain, or stomach discomfort that does not seem to have a clear medical cause. This physical suffering can exacerbate the emotional pain of depression, creating a cycle that feels difficult to break. Recognizing and addressing these physical symptoms alongside emotional symptoms is crucial, as they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and mental well-being.
Giving away possessions, especially those of personal or sentimental value, can be a warning sign of suicidal intentions. This behavior might indicate that a person is putting their affairs in order, suggesting a finality in their thoughts and potentially a planned end to their life. When someone suddenly starts distributing their items among friends and family without a clear reason, such as a move or downsizing, it may reflect a deeper psychological resignation and a need for immediate intervention and support.
Engaging in reckless or risky behavior can be a sign of depression and may also indicate suicidal tendencies. This includes actions like reckless driving, substance abuse, or engaging in dangerous activities without concern for personal safety. Often, this type of behavior represents an individual’s disregard for their life or an unconscious desire to escape from emotional pain. It’s crucial to address these behaviors promptly, as they not only pose immediate physical risks but also often signal severe psychological distress.
Substance abuse is a critical warning sign that often accompanies depression and can indicate suicidal tendencies. Individuals may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a means to cope with their emotional pain or to numb themselves from reality. This can lead to a dependency that aggravates their mental health issues, increasing feelings of loneliness, despair, and isolation. Substance abuse as a coping mechanism is a serious concern that requires urgent attention to help the individual find healthier ways to manage their emotional distress.
OLDER ADULTS
Signs of emotional pain in older adults might not always be immediately noticeable, but those considering suicide often exhibit certain behaviors. These warning signs may surface in conversations, through changes in usual behavior, or even in subtle social cues. Important signs include withdrawal from social interactions, a noticeable lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and verbal cues that express feelings of hopelessness or being a burden. If you observe any of these signs, particularly if they are new, have worsened, or relate to a recent loss or major life change, it’s important to take action or speak out
Failure to take care of oneself is a significant indicator of depression. This might involve neglecting personal hygiene, skipping meals, or failing to manage one’s health and medications. Such neglect often stems from feelings of worthlessness or a lack of energy and motivation, which are symptomatic of severe depression. Recognizing this decline is crucial, as it often requires intervention to prevent further physical and emotional deterioration.
Depression is characterized by a deep, persistent sadness and a loss of interest in almost all activities. It often manifests through fatigue, significant weight change, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Depression not only affects emotional and mental health but can also exacerbate physical health problems. Chronic depression may lead to suicidal thoughts, making it imperative to seek help to manage these overwhelming emotions.
Being preoccupied with death can be a distressing sign indicative of depression or suicidal thoughts. This may involve frequent discussions about death or dying, an unusual focus on books, movies, or music that deal with death themes, or writing about dying. This preoccupation is often a sign that the individual is contemplating their own mortality or considering suicide, signaling a need for immediate psychological support.
Hopelessness is a profound sign of depression and a common precursor to suicidal ideation. It manifests as a belief that nothing will get better and that there’s no possible solution to one’s problems. This sense of despair can paralyze an individual, affecting their ability to see the future positively. Intervening when someone expresses feelings of hopelessness is vital, as these emotions can escalate to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Changes in sleep patterns are significant indicators of depression and potential suicidal thoughts. Whether it’s insomnia or hypersomnia, disruptions in sleep can significantly affect one’s mood and functionality during the day. Insufficient sleep may increase irritability and stress, while too much sleep can signify withdrawal and disinterest in life. Monitoring and addressing these sleep changes are important for overall mental health management.
Saying goodbye in a manner that feels like a final farewell can be a very concerning sign, often associated with preparing for suicide. This might involve making unusually sentimental statements or settling unresolved issues, and it may come across as if the individual is wrapping up their personal matters permanently. Such behavior warrants immediate concern and intervention, as it can indicate that the person has made a decision to end their life.
Ignoring medical advice or neglecting to follow treatment plans for existing health conditions can be indicative of depression and suicidal behavior. This neglect might include skipping medications, missing appointments, or disregarding medical diets or routines. It often signifies a lack of concern for one’s health or a general apathy towards life, and can lead to worsening health conditions, further feeding into the cycle of depression.
Searching for methods or means to self-harm is an alarming and direct warning sign of suicidal intent. This can include seeking out lethal objects, stockpiling pills, or researching methods of suicide. Such actions are usually a clear indication of serious contemplation of suicide and require urgent and immediate intervention to prevent the individual from harming themselves.
Getting affairs in order can indicate that someone is considering ending their life. This might involve writing a will, giving away valuable possessions, organizing important documents, or making other arrangements that suggest the person is preparing for their absence. This behavior is often done with a sense of urgency and finality, and recognizing this sign is critical for intervening in a potentially life-threatening situation.
Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities is a common sign of depression and can be an indicator of suicidal thoughts. Individuals may isolate themselves, preferring solitude over interaction, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair. This withdrawal often reflects an inability to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. It’s important to reach out and provide support, as social connections can be crucial in helping someone navigate through such difficulties.
CRITICAL
Identifying critical signs of emotional distress that might lead to suicide requires careful observation, as these signs may not always be overt. In severe cases, individuals may demonstrate marked changes in behavior, urgent expressions of hopelessness, or even direct verbal hints at self-harm. These critical indicators can manifest in drastic withdrawal from social life, abrupt disinterest in all activities, and intensified statements about being a burden to others. When such signs are present, especially if they are new, escalate rapidly, or follow a significant life event such as a loss or major transition, immediate intervention is essential. It’s crucial to act swiftly and engage with mental health professionals to provide the support needed in these urgent situations.
When someone frequently talks about feeling hopeless or asserts that they have no reason to live, it is a significant and direct indicator of depression or suicidal thoughts. These expressions often reflect an intense internal struggle and a perceived lack of future prospects or solutions. Such verbal cues are critical warnings that the individual is contemplating the value of their life and may be considering ending it. Recognizing and addressing these statements with immediate concern and professional intervention can be crucial in preventing potential self-harm or suicide.
Talking openly about death or suicide is an alarming sign that should never be overlooked. When individuals begin to discuss these topics frequently, or seem preoccupied with the notion of ending their life, it is a clear indicator of deep psychological distress or depression. This kind of communication may come in the form of jokes, hypothetical questions, or serious contemplation. It’s crucial to take any mention of death or suicide seriously and to respond with immediate support and professional intervention to address the underlying issues and prevent potential harm.
Seeking out methods for self-harm is a critical warning sign of potential suicidal intent. This behavior can include actions like searching online for ways to end one’s life, acquiring a gun, or gathering pills or other substances that could be used in an overdose. These activities indicate that the individual is not only contemplating suicide but may also be planning it. Such direct and purposeful actions require urgent attention and intervention. It’s essential to address these signs immediately by engaging mental health professionals and ensuring the person’s environment is safe.