Suicide Prevention

Suicide Warning Signs

Recognizing the warning signs that may indicate your student/friend is thinking about suicide is important because it increases the likelihood of early detection and intervention. Although no one can predict with 100% accuracy who will attempt suicide and when the following signals may indicate a risk of suicide, as a general rule, the more signs that are evident the increased likelihood of suicidal behavior.

If you notice any of the below warning signs in a student or friend, it is very important that you ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide.

You cannot give a student suicidal thoughts by talking about suicide. Most people will communicate either directly or indirectly their intent to attempt suicide. It should always be taken seriously.

Events

• Significant loss (financial aid, death of friend/family member, loss of job)
• Exposure to suicide acts through others (media, family, friends)
• Diagnosis of terminal or serious illness
• Fear of becoming a burden to others
• Difficulties in school (dramatic decrease in academic performance)

Actions

• Rage or aggression
• Anxiety or agitation
• Increased drug/alcohol use
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Lack of concern of personal welfare
• Putting personal affairs in order or making amends
• Previous suicide attempt
• Dramatic changes in mood
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Withdrawing from friends/family, social isolation

Thoughts or Feelings

• Hopelessness
• Feeling Trapped
• Expressing no sense of purpose or reason to live.
• Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
• Direct verbal cues such as:
  • I wish I were dead
  • I’m going to end it all
  • I believe in suicide
• Less verbal cue examples:
  • I’m so tired of it all, I just can’t go on
  • Here, take this. I won’t need it anymore
  • My family would be better off without me.

Ways you can Help

It has been found that when a person is prevented from completing suicide, they are extremely grateful later. Many times the pain the person is experiencing can be decreased and will reconnect with a desire to live.

• Ask directly about suicide
• Be there for your student or friend
• Help connect to other resources