Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Warning Signs

• Developing a specific plan for suicide (the number one predictor of suicide risk)
• Threatening suicide, expressing suicidal feelings directly or bringing up the topic of suicide
• Signs of depression: loss of pleasure, sad mood, alterations in sleeping or eating patterns, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, agitation, feelings of failure or shame
• Giving away prized possessions, settling affairs, making out a will
• Changes in behavior (poor work or school performance)
• Risky behaviors
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Social isolation

Risk Factors

• Having attempted suicide in the past
• Having lost a loved one to suicide
• A recent loss or threat of loss, for example: the death of a loved one or an idol/role model; divorce, separation, or a broken relationship; the loss of a job, a house, a business, money, or social status; loss of health to serious, progressive, or painful illness; diminished self-esteem or self-confidence
• Losing all hope in the future ("Things will never get better"; "Life feels like an open sore that’s never going to heal")