06/12/2025
Su***de Warning Signs
Talking about su***de can be a scary subject. But the more people that are willing to talk with a friend or family member about suicidal thoughts, the more likely they can help someone take positive steps towards healing.
Many people assume that if you ask someone if they have suicidal thoughts, you can put the idea into their head. This is a myth, and mental health professionals encourage people to ask important questions and gather facts to help someone who is depressed or feels hopeless. When someone is contemplating su***de, their words and actions can give you clues that they are at risk of hurting themselves.
People can become suicidal when they feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. They lack hope for the future, and they see su***de as the only solution. It’s sort of a tunnel vision where other options seem useless. Having a family history of su***de or impulsive behavior is also believed to increase the risk of suicidality.
Other risk factors can include:
History of substance abuse
Access to fi****ms
Difficult life events
Isolation from others
History of mental illness
History of physical or sexual abuse
Having a terminal or chronic illness
Past su***de attempts
The more signs you see, the higher the risk there is for su***de. Though talking about dying is an obvious sign, there are many others that can indicate risk. There are emotional, verbal, and behavioral clues you can observe.
Emotional Markers can include:
Feeling depressed
Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Irritability
Anger
Anxiety
Shame or humiliation
Mood swings
Verbal Markers include talking about:
Killing themselves
Their life have no purpose
Feeling like a burden
Feeling stuck
Not wanting to exist
There are two types of suicidal statements or thoughts. An active statement might be something like, “I’m going to kill myself.” A passive statement might include, “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up,” or, “I wouldn’t mind if I got hit by a bus.” People often ignore passive statements, but they should be taken just as seriously.
Behavioral Markers can include:
Isolating from others
Not communicating with friends or family
Giving away possessions or writing a will
Driving recklessly
Increased aggression
Increased drug and alcohol use
Searching about su***de on the Internet
Gathering materials (pills or a weapon)
Older adults are also at increased risk for su***de, and they complete su***de at a higher rate than any other age group. They also are especially at risk because they do not usually seek counseling for depression and other mental illnesses. If you see an older adult who stops taking care of their hygiene, is eating poorly, and/or starts giving away their possessions, then you should help them talk to a mental health professional as soon as possible.
Warning Signs For Kids
Many people do not assume that children and teens can be at risk for su***de, but they can exhibit warning signs as well. If a child is talking about su***de or wanting to die, always take them seriously. An event or problem that might not seem like a big deal to an adult can be extremely stressful for a child or teenager.
Children and teens might be at risk for su***de if they:
Experience bullying
Lose someone close to them
Experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Abuse of drugs or alcohol
Have a history of mental illness
Feel uncertain about their sexual orientation
What You Can Do Today?
If you see a loved one or even an acquaintance or colleague exhibiting any of these signs, you are not powerless to help them. Don’t hesitate to use specific language, such as asking, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” If the answer is yes or maybe, ask them what they feel most comfortable doing, whether it’s calling a crisis hotline or scheduling a counseling or doctor’s appointment.
If a person is thinking of su***de, it’s also important to ask them if they have a plan. If they say yes, assist them in seeking immediate help. They can simply walk into an emergency room or urgent care clinic, or they can call their local su***de prevention line
0800 567 567 South Africa
America 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Australian numbers are
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue:1300 224 626
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