Suicide Warning Signs

Notice. Care. Help.

It’s always a good idea to check in.

Everyone struggles with their mental health from time to time. Even though struggling doesn’t automatically mean suicide, it could put someone at increased risk. Common signs of mental health struggles may not always be visible, and sometimes, they become more apparent after a suicide or suicide attempt. Awareness of these signs is valuable.

We Can All Help to Prevent Suicide

The Nature of Warning Signs

  • Some people show these signs, and you recognize them.
  • Some people show these signs, and you don’t recognize them.
  • Sometimes you don’t recognize these signs until after someone has died by suicide/attempted suicide.
  • Sometimes people choose not to show you the signs.

It’s never your fault for not recognizing something in someone else, and it’s helpful to know what to look for. If you’re ever in doubt, questioning, or have a gut feeling that someone’s struggling with their mental health and/or suicidal thoughts, ask them: "are you thinking of suicide?"

3 people walking, talking, and holding coffee in a park

Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors to Watch For

Not sure if you or a friend are at risk of suicide? Take the U LifeLine Self-Evaluator (you can take it for yourself or a friend). 

If you're concerned that someone might be at risk for suicide, you've probably noticed some changes in them recently that make you feel uncomfortable. Maybe you can't put your finger on it, but "something" is different. It is often the combination of risk factors (substance abuse, a major life change, financial concerns, etc.) and the warning signs below that you may have noticed.  

Answer the questions below to determine if someone you care about is at risk for suicide: 

  • Self-isolation (withdrawing from family, friends, and regular activities)
  • Increase in alcohol or drug use
  • A change in online presence (websites they’re going to, what they’re posting, what they’re reading and talking about, how frequently they’re posting) 
  • Sudden, significant drop in grades or performance at work 
  • Dramatic change in appearance and behavior 
  • Language, research, books you’re reading, projects around themes of helplessness, hopelessness, death, being a burden 
  • Giving away important possessions 
  • Abrupt or dramatic change in mood 
  • Talking about suicide 

Any direct reference to mental health struggles. Here’s what you might hear:

  • I just want to die.
  • I just can't do this anymore.
  • I'm such a burden.
  • Life isn't worth anything. 
  • I won't be around to deal with that. 
  • If he/she breaks up with me, I can't/won't go on. 
  • There is nothing I can do to make it better. 
  • My family would be better off without me. 
  • I feel there is no way out. 
  • It's hopeless/pointless/useless. 
  • I have no reason to live. 

It can be hard for people to come out and talk about mental health struggles or thoughts of suicide. Here’s what you might hear instead: 

  • I’m having a hard time 
  • I have a lot on my plate right now 
  • I can't stand the pressure anymore. 
  • What's the point/it’s pointless 
  • I’m feeling really overwhelmed 
  • I wish I could just get a break from it all/just go to sleep forever/run away 
  • “I should just kill myself,” said in a joking tone 

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, your loved one could be struggling with their mental health and may be at an increased risk for suicide. It's important to take all warnings seriously.  

Counselor Tip: How you help starts with knowing more about the situation. It's okay to ask someone about depression and suicide.

Asking them about suicide won't give them the idea or push them into doing it. 
  • Ask specifically about suicide. Example: “Are you thinking of suicide?” or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” 
  • Support them in getting help.  
  • Share helpful resources with them. 
* If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.  

 

Text: Did you know? Asking sometone directly if they are thinking of suicide will not make them suicidal and can acctually help.

Key tips to remember during this conversation: 

DO

  • Take it seriously.
  • Be willing to listen.
  • Voice your concern.
  • Let your friend know you care and understand. 
  • Ask if they have a plan and how far they have gone in carrying it out. 
  • Get professional help immediately.

AVOID

  • Be sworn to secrecy. 
  • Act shocked or surprised at what the person says. 
  • Challenge or dare. 
  • Assume the situation will take care of itself. 
  • Argue or debate moral issues. 
  • Make them feel guilty or ashamed. 

 

If the thought ever crosses your mind that someone is thinking about suicide, ask them.  

How to Talk About Suicide