Warning Signs
Warning signs may not always be the most obvious. Depression looks different for everyone. Some people who are depressed or feeling suicidal may have “high functioning depression.” In other words, some people look like “they have it all together” on the outside, however that may not always be the case.
Remember FACTS
F
for FEELINGS – that seem different from the past
A
for ACTIONS – that are different from the way they acted in the past
C
for CHANGES – in personality, behavior, sleeping patterns, eating habits; loss of interest in friends or activities or sudden improvement after a period of being down or withdrawn
T
for THREATS – that convey a sense of hopelessness, worthlessness, or preoccupation with death
S
for SITUATIONS – that can serve as “trigger points”
Individuals who are experiencing suicidal ideation may be feeling:
- unimportant
- trapped
- hopeless
- overwhelmed
- unmotivated
- alone
- irritable
- anxious
- impulsive
- like a burden to others
You may notice some behavioral changes in someone considering suicide, such as:
- Threatening to hurt or kill themselves.
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or society.
- Sleeping all of the time, or sleeping too little.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Increase in substance use.
- Talking or writing about death.
- Seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means to kill themselves.
- Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities.
- Not caring about their future.
- Putting themselves down and thinking they deserve it.
- Saying goodbye to important people.
- Have a specific plan for suicide.
- Losing interest in their favorite things to do.
- Admiring people who have died by suicide.
- Planning for death by writing a will or letter.
- Eating more or less than usual.
- Feeling more sick, tired or achy than usual.
They may say things like:
- “I feel like I’m drowning.”
- “I am a burden to others.”
- “Everyone would be better off if I weren’t here.”
- “I feel like giving up.”
- “I feel trapped.”
- End of a relationship or marriage
- Death of a loved one
- An arrest
- Serious financial problems
- Humiliations, rejections, or failures
- Getting in trouble at school, at home or with the law
- Impending changes they may feel scared and unprepared for
Special thanks to the Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide, Suicide Prevention Resource Center, The Trevor Project and Mental Heath First Aid.
