Understanding Suicide Warning Signs
During this Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, we want to spend some time talking more openly about suicide, suicidal thoughts, and how we can support ourselves and the people we care about. Throughout the month of September, we'll explore several pieces of this conversation, including protective factors that build resilience, what may be underneath concerning behaviors or words, how to talk with teens in particular about suicidal thoughts, and ways to recognize when someone is struggling even if they say, "I'm fine."
There is no one single cause that leads someone to experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. Mental health is as complex and diverse as human beings are. Suicidal thoughts can develop when pain, stress, trauma, loss, mental health concerns, or other difficult experiences or circumstances build up over time and begin to create a sense of hopelessness or despair.
Suicidal thoughts can take many forms. They can be more passive, such as, "What if I went to sleep and never woke up?" or, "I wish I could just disappear." They may also become more active, involving specific thoughts about actions someone might take to end their life. For some people, these thoughts may be fleeting. For others, they may linger or become increasingly difficult to escape.
So, what are some signs you might notice in a friend or loved one who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Thoughts/Words
Someone might:
Talk about death and dying
Talk about wanting to disappear or not wanting to be here
Express feeling like a burden or that others might be better off without them
Talk about feeling empty, trapped, or hopeless
Behaviors
You might notice someone:
Behaving recklessly, like drinking heavily or driving dangerously
Giving away possessions
Experiencing significant sleep and appetite changes
Isolating themselves
Withdrawing from loved ones or things they usually have enjoyed
Feelings
Someone might be experiencing:
Major mood swings
Sadness or withdrawal
Loss of interest in things they usually enjoy
Increased anger, irritability, or anxiety
Sudden cheerfulness, calm, or peace after a longer period of significant distress
It's also important to know that someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and not show any outward signs at all. These signs are not a checklist, and noticing one or two of them may not necessarily mean that someone is suicidal. But, if you are concerned about someone, you don't have to wait until you are certain something is wrong before reaching out.
Voice your concern and offer help. Ask how they are doing, listen without judgment, and help connect them with additional support if needed. Letting someone know you see them, care about them, and are willing to sit with them through a difficult moment is an important first step.
For more information and resources:
If you or someone you love is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, don't wait. Call or text the Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
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