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Table 6 Consensus warning signs of suicide

From: Suicide in pediatrics: epidemiology, risk factors, warning signs and the role of the pediatrician in detecting them

A person at risk for suicidal behavior most often will exhibit warning signs such as:

I

Ideation

Expressed or communicated ideation

Threatening to hurt or kill him/herself or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself

Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means

Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary

S

Substance abuse

Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use

P

Purposelessness

No reasons for living; no sense of purpose in life

A

Anxiety

Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

T

Trapped

Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out

H

Hopelessness

Hopelessness

W

Withdrawal

Withdrawing from friends, family and society

A

Anger

Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge

R

Recklessness

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking

M

Mood changes

Dramatic mood changes

  1. Adapted from: American Association of Suicidology. How do you remember the warning signs of suicide? Newslink 2006; 32:20