Recognizing Warning Signs

In Section 2, we explored contributing factors and their connection to social issues. Keep that context in mind as we turn to warning signs. Notice how many involve changes in a person's relationships, sense of connection, and daily life. Contributing factors help us understand the broader context; warning signs alert us to a possible need for support now. Let's begin with signs of acute risk that call for attention right away.

These include threatening or talking about hurting or killing oneself, or looking for ways to do so; seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means for suicide; and talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when this is out of the ordinary for the person.

Take any communication about suicide seriously.

Other warning signs can appear in everyday life: increased substance use; loss of purpose or interest; changes in sleep, weight, hygiene, or health; and growing difficulties at work or at home.

You may notice hopelessness, changes in communication, withdrawal, isolation, or feeling trapped. Other changes may include uncontrolled anger, irritability, reckless behavior, or mood swings.

Pay particular attention to increased substance use, disconnection, isolation, and changes in sleep. For health professionals, concerns about sleep are also an opportunity to ask about suicidal thoughts.

With young people, look for changes in how they feel, behave, communicate, and connect. These may include increased substance use, unusually heightened activity or anger, increased worry, or no longer responding to praise as they usually would.

You may notice difficulty paying attention, changes in sleep or eating, or concerning social media posts about death, hopelessness, or suicide. Other signs include depression, hopelessness, sadness, withdrawal, isolation, impulsivity, changes in health or usual personality, confusion, crying, irritability, or self-doubt.

These experiences do not automatically mean a young person is thinking about suicide. They are reasons to pay attention and start a conversation. Ask directly about suicide, their safety, and who they can turn to for support.

A warning-sign list cannot tell us for certain whether someone is thinking about suicide. Some people show few or no visible signs. You can ask when you are concerned, even without a clear change.

Baseline means this person's usual pattern: how they communicate, connect with others, and manage daily life. It does not mean everyone should be outgoing, cheerful, or calm.