A young person laying down on a couch holding a phone Warning Signs of Suicide

Suicide is complex. There is no one thing that leads a person to attempt suicide, Often, when a person is thinking about suicide, they exhibit specific signs known as warning signs. This page can help you recognize common warning signs of suicide and help you identify when to seek professional help.

Warning signs of suicide can be divided into three categories:

Talking About

A person thinking about suicide may talk about:

  • Wanting to die or making plans for suicide
  • Being a burden to others
  • Unbearable physical or emotional pain

Feeling

A person thinking about suicide may feel:

  • Hopeless and/or trapped
  • Guilt, shame, and/or anger
  • Anxiety, agitation, and/or rage

Changing Behavior

A person thinking about suicide may show changes in their usual behavior such as:

  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Withdrawing from family, friends, or community
  • Changes sleeping patterns
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Reckless behavior

When to Seek Professional Help Immediately

When warning signs are present, suicide risk is increased. This is especially true when thoughts, feelings, or behaviors are new for a person or tied to a stressful life event such as a loss. 

If you are concerned about someone and observe these warning signs, you should immediately connect the person with professional help, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or a mental health professional.



Recommended Resources

Illustration of a document with a checkmark.

Warning Signs of Suicide: A Fact Sheet for Clinicians

A brief reference tool to help clinicians recognize signs that may indicate a client (i.e., patient) is at immediate or acute risk of suicide.
Illustration of a document with a checkmark.

Warning Signs of Suicide: A Fact Sheet for Family and Community Members

This fact sheet can help you recognize common warning signs that may indicate a person is at risk of suicide. It also provides tips on how to respond if you observe these warning signs in someone and when to seek immediate professional help.