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Suicide Prevention > Warning Signs

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SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS

VERBAL HINTS OR THREATS

Direct Statements: "I'm going to kill myself." "I don't want to live anymore." "I want to die."

Indirect Statements: "I want to go to sleep and never wake up." "You'll be sorry when I'm gone." "It will all be over soon."

EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, BEHAVIORAL HINTS

1. Feelings of hopelessness
2. Lack of planning for the future
3. Sudden and/or prolonged change in appetite
4. Prolonged change in sleep patterns (insomnia/excessive sleeping)
5. Unusual neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
6. Withdrawal and isolation from friends and family
7. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
8. Decreased sexual activity
9. Difficulty concentrating
10. Persistent feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, or sadness
11. Preoccupation with themes of death
12. Irritability; abrupt outbursts of anger or rage; seeking revenge
13. Frequent physical complaints, often headaches, stomach ailments, fatigue/drowsiness
14. Talking of feeling trapped
15. Increased substance use/abuse
16. Giving away treasured possessions
17. Increased risk taking (reckless driving)
18. Making final arrangements (wills), checking insurance policies

HISTORY

     *  Previous suicide attempts

     *  Alcohol or other substance abuse

     *  Mental illness, particularly depressive disorder

     *  Poor coping skills or impulsive behavior

     *  Previous suicide in family

SITUATIONAL HINTS

    *  LOSSES                                      *  PRESSURES

Health, particularly onset of                      Economic (gambling debt,

  progressive illness                                   foreclosure)

Job or financial security                            Scholastic

Death of a loved one                                 Interpersonal

Relationship, through divorce or                 Parental

  separation

                                                              An impending crisis (legal case,

                                                                bankruptcy)

                                                              Shame or embarrassment

GROUPS AT SPECIAL RISK

     Gay males and lesbians, especially youth

     Vietnam Veterans

     Native Americans

     Prisoners, especially first-time offenders

 

NOTE:  there is no causative factor in suicide.  All hints must be taken seriously.  It is important to be aware that a combination of distress signals manifested over a period of time bears watching.  The presence of and willingness to use a lethal methodology is a major factor.  The availability of a firearm is a key factor, especially with males.

 

SUICIDE DEMOGRAPHICS

Gender:

Males complete suicide at a rate 3 to 4 times that of females. 

    

Females make 3 to 4 times more attempts than males.

Age:

Adults over age 65 have a suicide rate 50% higher than the nation as a whole.

Young people (ages 15-24) have the highest rates of attempts.

Marital Status:

Suicide rates are highest among the widowed or divorced.

Suicide rates are lowest among the married.

 

EMERGENCY RISK ASSESSMENT Ask the person if they are considering suicide. If they say yes, ask the following: "Do you have a plan?" "Is the means for the plan readily available?" "Is the method a lethal one?" "When do you plan to do this?" If the person has imminent plans, take them to the emergency room or call 911. Never leave them alone! IF THE PERSON REFUSES HELP, CALL (231) 720-3200 FOR ASSISTANCE.