Per John Hopkins Medical Center, many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also signs of depression. Observations of the following behaviors may be helpful in identifying people who may be at risk of attempting suicide:
- Changes in eating and sleep habits
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Pulling away from friends and family members
- Acting out behaviors and running away
- Alcohol and drug use
- Not caring about personal appearance
- Unnecessary risk-taking
- Fixation on death and dying
- Increased physical complaints are often connected to emotional distress, like stomachaches, headaches, and extreme tiredness
- Loss of interest in work, school, and community
- Feelings of boredom
- Trouble concentrating
- Feelings of wanting to die
- Lack of response to praise
- Shows signs of plans or efforts toward plans to commit suicide, including the following:
Says "I want to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide."
Gives hints like saying "I won't be a problem much longer," or "If anything happens to me, I want you to know ...."
Gives away favorite possessions and throws away important belongings
Becomes suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
May express bizarre thoughts
Writes one or more suicide notes
For IMMEDIATE HELP
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
800-273-8255
