It can be different for everybody so it’s important to treat each person and their circumstances as individual and unique.
But the more warning signs there are, the higher the risk.
Some of the signs can be associated with everyday behaviour. Some people might show none of these signs or only show them only in very subtle ways, but still feel suicidal. On the other hand, others might show some of these signs but are coping.
- Becoming isolated
- Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- A suicide attempt or act of self-harm
- Difficulties at school or work
- Dropping out of activities
- Disinterest in usual activities
- Sleeping or eating difficulties
- High-risk behaviours such as driving a car at high speed
- Neglecting their appearance, personal hygiene, clothing
- Persistent physical complaints such as chronic pain
- Weight loss or weight gain due to appetite loss or gain
- Tired or finding it difficult to concentrate
- Feeling life is meaningless
- Gloomy, negative thoughts
- Unable to find solutions to problems
- Very self-critical
Specific warning signs
- Constantly thinking about death
- Talking about dying
- Talking about disappearing or going away
- Talking about funerals
- Talking about suicide methods or other types of self-harm
- Talking about listening to songs with a suicidal theme
- Talking about drawing or writing about suicide
The more detailed a person’s plan for suicide is, the more at risk they may be.
Recent loss or other trigger
A person may be particularly vulnerable at a specific time or event such as
- anniversaries, for example of a loved one’s death, a wedding or a birthday
- a life change
- change in financial circumstances
- a trauma or a loss
Putting things in order
- Tidying up affairs (such as arranging wills, childcare, care of pets and so on)
- Giving away prized possessions
If you feel someone’s life is in danger, call emergency on 000.
- Take all threats seriously
- Ask the person to tell you what is wrong
- Listen and offer support
- Remove anything that could be dangerous
- Don’t leave the suicidal person alone
- Be positive and point out choices
- Don’t promise confidentiality
- Get professional help.