Warning Signs of Suicide Risk

Most people who are feeling depressed or desperate enough to consider suicide give clues to how they're feeling. You can be the first step towards help for someone you care about by learning to recognize these clues to suicide risk.

Verbal Signs

• "I want to kill myself."
• "I don't want to be here anymore."
• "No one understands me."
• "I can't take it anymore."
• "Things will never get better."
• "I'm tired of being a burden to my friends and family."
• "No one would miss me if I were gone."

Physical Changes

• Losing or gaining weight quickly.
• Suddenly not caring about appearances or cleanliness.
• Unexplained cuts, scrapes or bruises.
• Appearing tired all the time.

Acting Differently

• Changes in mood: more withdrawn, anxious or sad, or sudden mood lift after a down period.
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Suddenly taking more risks: not taking prescribed medication, drunk driving, ignoring physical limitations, having unprotected sex, using more drugs or alcohol.
• Loss of concentration.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.
• Losing interest in things that used to be enjoyed.
• Not planning for the future.
• Hurting oneself on purpose.
• Thinking and talking about death a lot.
• Unexplained good-byes or unusual personal expressions that have a sense of closure.

Situations

• Recently having lost a loved one, relationship or job.
• Having money problems.
• Having questions or worries about being gay, bisexual or transgender.
• Previous suicide attempts.
• Recent death of a loved one.
• Problems in an important relationship.
• Problems at work or school.
• Social isolation.

If you know someone for whom more than one of these is true, she or he may need your help. Not sure how to help? Call us. The Samaritans. 24 hours a day, at 617-247-0220 or 508-875-4500.