Suicide Prevention
Warning signs of suicide include:
Observable signs of serious depression:
Unrelenting low mood
Inability to enjoy pleasurable activities
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Fatigue or loss of energy
Hopelessness
Expressions of worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Withdrawal
Sleep problems
Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
Making a plan:
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm
Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
Unexpected rage or anger
Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
An emotional crisis
One person can help prevent suicide through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Most depressed people are not suicidal; most suicidal people are depressed.
Most suicides can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings. Prevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously, and knowing how to respond to them.