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 |