Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
_A person in acute risk for suicidal behavior most often will show:
Warning Signs of Acute Risk:
Additional Warning Signs:
These warning signs were compiled by a task force of expert clinical-researchers and ‘translated’ for the general public. Above information was combined by the AAS & the AFSP
Warning Signs of Acute Risk:
- Threatening to hurt or kill him or herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself; and/or
- Making a Plan: Giving away prized possessions, Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means; and/or,
- Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary.
- These might be remembered as expressed or communicated ideation. If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Additional Warning Signs:
- Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use
- No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Feeling trapped - like there’s no way out
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends, family and society
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Dramatic mood changes.
- Change in schoolwork and/or after school activities
- If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
These warning signs were compiled by a task force of expert clinical-researchers and ‘translated’ for the general public. Above information was combined by the AAS & the AFSP