There is no “typical” demographic of person who is at risk for suicide.
No age group,
ethnicity, or background is immune. Fortunately, many troubled individuals display
behaviors deliberately or inadvertently signal their suicidal intent. Recognizing the warning
signs and learning what to do next may help save a life.
THE WARNING SIGNS
The following behavioral patterns may indicate possible risk for suicide and should be
watched closely. If they appear numerous or severe, seek professional help at once. The
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) provides acccess to trained
telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live
• Preoccupation with death and dying
• Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
• Experience of a recent severe loss (especially a relationship) or the threat of a
significant loss
• Experience or fear of a situation of humiliation of failure
• Drastic changes in behavior
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Preparation for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements
• Giving away prized possessions
• Previous history of suicide attempts, as well as violence and/or hostility
• Unnecessary risks; reckless and/or impulsive behavior
• Loss of interest in personal appearance
• Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
• General hopelessness
• Recent experience humiliation or failure
• Unwillingness to connect with potential helpers
FEELINGS, THOUGHTS, AND BEHAVIORS
Nearly everyone at some time in his or her life thinks about suicide. Most everyone decides to
live because they come to realize that the crisis is temporary, but death in not. On the other
hand, people in the midst of a crisis often perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an
utter loss of control. Frequently, they:
• Can’t stop the pain
• Can’t think clearly
• Can’t make decisions
• Can’t see any way out
• Can’t sleep eat or work
• Can’t get out of the depression
• Can’t make the sadness go away
• Can’t see the possibility of change
• Can’t see themselves as worthwhile
• Can’t get someone’s attention
• Can’t seem to get control
WHAT DO YOU DO?
1. Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
2. Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
3. Ask if s/he is thinking about suicide.
4. Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.
5. Be willing to listen. Allow for expressions of feelings and accept those feelings.
6. Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are
good or bad. Don’t lecture the value of life.
7. Don’t dare him/her to do it.
8. Don’t give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave
differently.
9. Don’t ask “why.” This encourages defensiveness.
10. Offer empathy, not sympathy.
11. Don’t act shocked. This creates distance.
12. Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
13. Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves
you don’t understand.
14. Take action. Remove means. Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in
crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
WHO CAN YOU TALK TO?
• A community mental health agency
• A private therapist
• A school counselor or psychologist
• A family physician
• A suicide prevention/crisis intervention center
• A religious/spiritual leader