Suicide warning signs

Suicide rarely comes with no warning signs at all but it can be difficult to recognise them for what they are at the time they’re happening.

When someone is contemplating suicide, their words and actions can give you clues that they are at risk of hurting themselves.

A person may be at risk of attempting suicide if they:

  • threaten to hurt or take their own life
  • talk or write about death, dying or suicide
  • actively look for ways to take their own life, such as stockpiling tablets

The following can be suicide warning signs

  • Talking about suicide - Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again…” and “I’d be better off dead.”
  • Looking for a way to end their life - Searching for a method or seeking access to medicines/ other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
  • Preoccupation with death - Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence.
  • No hope for the future - Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped. Belief that things will never get better or change.
  • Self-loathing, self-hatred - Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden.
  • Getting affairs in order - Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
  • Saying goodbye - Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.
  • Withdrawing from others - Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
  • Self-destructive behaviour - Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks.
  • Sudden sense of calm - A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to attempt suicide.

What you can do

If you notice any of the warning signs in a friend, relative or loved one, encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.

Asking a friend or family member if they’re having suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult. But if you’re unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask.

You might be worried that you will ‘put the idea of suicide into the person’s head’ if you ask about suicide but you can’t make a person suicidal by showing your concern.

You can say “I’m worried about you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately” or you can say “I’ve noticed that you haven’t seemed yourself lately, is everything ok?”

Just by talking about suicide, we can help break down the stigma that can act as a barrier to getting help.

Take our training for help to talk to people who are feeling suicidal.