Warning signs are indications that someone may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the near future. Most suicidal people show one or more warning signs, so it is important to know the signs and take them seriously, especially if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
The following signs may mean that a youth is at risk for suicide, particularly in youth who have attempted suicide in the past. The presence of more than one of the following warning signs may increase a youth’s risk for engaging in suicidal behaviors in the near future.
Youth Suicide Warning Signs1
- Talking about or making plans for suicide
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
- Displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress
- Showing worrisome behavioral cues or marked changes in behavior, particularly in the presence of the warning signs above. Specifically, this includes significant:
- Withdrawal from or changes in social connections/situations
- Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)
- Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
- Recent increased agitation or irritability
What to Do
If you are having thoughts of suicide:
- Please reach out for support by contacting a friend, family member, or a trusted adult
- You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “Home” to “741-741”
If you are concerned about someone:
- Ask them directly if they are having thoughts of suicide (talking to someone about suicide will not put the thought in their head): “Are you thinking about suicide?”
- Talk to a trusted adult about the warning signs you’ve observed
- To learn more about having the conversations, visit: www.SuicideIsPreventable.org
Information courtesy of www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org (April 2018)
