Know What to Watch For People who are thinking about suicide often hide their true feelings, even from those who are closest to them. Sometimes, depressed people will actually appear happy just before making attempts on their lives. If you know the warning signs, however, you can be effective in helping your family and community members get treatment to relieve their pain.

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Thinking, talking or wishing about suicide
  
• Drug or alcohol use or abuse, especially if there is an increase in use or a change in the kind of drug being used
  
• Purposelessness or no sense of purpose or belonging
  
• Anger
  
• Trapped or feeling like there is no way out
  
• Hopelessness like there is nothing to live for and no hope or optimism
  
• Withdrawal from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies
  
• Anxiety or restlessness, irritability, agitation
  
• Recklessness or high risk-taking behavior
  
• Mood disturbance or dramatic changes in mood

Here are some additional warning signs of suicide

• Talking about suicide.
  
• Looking for ways to die (internet searches for how to commit suicide, looking for guns, pills, etc.)
  
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
  
• Preoccupation with death.
  
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
  
• Loss of interest in things they care about.
  
• Visiting or calling people they care about.
  
• Making arrangements; a will, life insurance, bank accounts, etc.
  
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

If you see the warning signs of suicide in someone you know, take action! Find out more about what you can do.