Suicide Warning Signs, Myths, and Prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 1 million people die from suicide each year. In the last 45 years, suicide as increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is now among the 3 leading causes of death for men and women ages 15-44.

If you need immediate assistance or are in a life-threatening situation, don’t wait to ask for help. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Warning Signs

Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. Before people attempt suicide, there are usually clues and warning signs (though not all of these warning signs automatically indicate someone is feeling suicidal).

Common warning signs include:

• Saying things like, "I can't go on," "Nothing matters anymore," "I'm thinking of ending it all"

• Becoming withdrawn or depressed

• Behaving recklessly

• Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions

• Abusing drugs or alcohol

Research has shown that certain situations put people at a greater risk of suicide, though experiencing these situations does not mean that someone will necessarily feel suicidal or attempt suicide; however, they are situations that it is important to be mindful of. Situations that increase suicide risk include:

• Family history of suicide or violence

• Sexual or physical abuse

• Death of a close friend or family member

• Divorce or separation, ending a relationship

• Failing academic performance, impending exams, exam results

• Job loss, problems at work

• Impending legal action

• Recent imprisonment or upcoming release

Behaviors that increase suicide risk include:

• Crying

• Fighting

• Breaking the law

• Impulsiveness

• Self-mutilation

• Writing about death and suicide

• Previous suicidal behavior

• Extremes of behavior

• Changes in behavior

• Searching the internet for sites about suicide or suicide methods

Warning signs may include physical changes, such as:

• Lack of energy

• Disturbed sleep patterns - sleeping too much or too little

• Loss of appetite

• Sudden weight gain or loss

• Increase in minor illnesses

• Change of sexual interest

• Sudden change in appearance

• Lack of interest in appearance

Warning signs may include certain thoughts or emotional states, including:

• Thoughts of suicide

• Loneliness - lack of support from family and friends

• Rejection, feeling marginalized

• Deep sadness or guilt

• Unable to see beyond a narrow focus

• Daydreaming

• Anxiety and stress

• Helplessness

• Loss of self-worth

How can I help?

If you have a friend or family member who is considering suicide, here are some tips for how you can help and support them.

1. Listen. Take time to really listen. Don’t judge or give advice or opinions.

   • Don’t look around the room, glance at your watch, or check your phone during the conversation; finish their sentences and correct their grammar; interrupt them to tell them how you once had a similar problem; tell them what you would do in their position; say you understand before you’ve heard the problem.

   • Do give your undivided attention; allow them to sit in silence and collect their thoughts; ask questions gently without intruding; encourage them to tell their own story in their own time; always try to see the other person’s point of view.

2. Be respectful. Attempt to be someone who is trustworthy, respectful, and doesn’t try to take charge.

3. Be present. Don’t leave a person who is feeling suicidal alone. Don’t reject them or judge them for how they’re feeling.

4. Care. Make sure the person knows you care. Accept and believe the person just as they are. Be available to listen.

5. Don’t lecture. This is not the time to offer advice or tell them to “cheer up.” This will only make them feel misunderstood.

6. Talk openly. Allow your friend or family member to talk about their suicidal thoughts or plans openly with you without judging them.

7. Help them cope. Once you’ve fully listened, take time to encourage them to explore alternative ways to cope and offer to cope with them.

Common Myths

Myth #1: Once someone is suicidal, they will be suicidal forever.

This is not always true. Though people who are feeling suicidal may struggle with these feelings for a long time, the feelings (or intensity of the feelings) are often temporary, especially if the person gets help.

Myth #2: If someone tried to kill themselves once, there is a much smaller chance that they will try again.

This is false. As many as 80% of all completed suicides occurred after previous attempts. This is especially true for young people.

Myth #3: Suicidal people clearly want to die.

This is not always true. Ambivalence is a marked feature of a suicidal person. Many don’t want to die but simply want to escape what feels like an unbearable situation.

Myth #4: It is a bad idea to ask people if they are suicidal. Talking about suicide might give them the idea that they should kill themselves.

Research has shown that talking about suicide does not increase suicidal feelings. On the contrary, talking about it can help diffuse some of the tension and lets the person know they are cared for.

Myth #5: If a depressed or suicidal person feels better, it usually means that the problem has passed.

If someone who has been depressed or suicidal suddenly seems happier, don’t assume that the danger has passed. A person, having decided to kill themselves, may feel “better” or feel a sense of relief having made the decision. Also, a severely depressed person may lack the energy to put their suicidal thoughts into action. Once they regain their energy, they may well go ahead and do it.

Myth #6: Young men are at the highest risk of killing themselves.

Males between the ages of 18 and 24 are in the group with the highest growth rate of suicide, but older men are actually at the highest risk of killing themselves. However, women attempt suicide more frequently than men. Men often complete suicide more often as they typically use more lethal methods.

Myth #7: People who talk about killing themselves will never do it. Those who kill themselves don’t normally talk about it. They just go ahead and do it.

Most people either talk about it or do something to indicate that they are going to kill themselves. There is no need to blame yourself if you didn’t see it coming, but if you are worried about someone you know, make sure you read the warning signs above and tips on how to help.

How to Get Help

If you need immediate assistance or are in a life-threatening situation, don’t wait to ask for help. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

It can be useful to talk to a friend. Sometimes talking about our feelings can help to diffuse them and not make them feel so strong. (Feel free to share the tips for listening that were mentioned above.)

You can also contact a 24/7 helpline such as the National Suicide Hotline in the United States (call or text 988) or the Trevor Project (specifically for LGBT+ youth). Your state or country may have local hotlines that you can search for online.