Learn more to prevent suicide in your community
Warning signs of suicide
Recognizing the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors related to suicide is key to identifying when someone may be at risk. Suicide is a complex public health issue influenced by various factors. While suicide does not have one single cause, there are several warning signs associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Call 911 or your local emergency service if you see or hear the following:
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill themself or talking about wanting to die, especially if they have a weapon or dangerous item
- Someone at risk or in crisis seeking access to dangerous items (lethal means) with which to hurt or kill themself
- Someone talking, writing, or posting on social media about intending to die by suicide
Warning signs
Warning signs of suicide are observable behaviors, actions, or expressions that may indicate that someone is at risk of attempting or thinking about suicide.
What they might talk about:
- Wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Having no purpose or reason to live
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Being a burden to others
- Suicide
What they might do:
- Looking for a way to end their life
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Changes in sleep like sleeping too little or too much
- Giving away possessions
- Withdrawing from activities
Behaviors that might change:
- Extreme mood swings
- Uncontrolled anger or talking about seeking revenge
- Anxiety or agitation
- Reckless behavior
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