For Family & Friends

Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born.”

Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills.

Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone.

Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next.

Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence.

Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation.

Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.

Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns.

Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly.

Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this.

Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.

Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above.