Popular searches

Recognizing & Responding to Suicide Risk

Contact Info

If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself and/or others, call 911.

It is a myth that asking someone about suicide actually creates suicidal thoughts. Talking to individuals about suicide does not increase their risk.

Choose an option to learn more:

Suicide Warning Signs Suicide Risk Factors Responding Do's & Don'ts What You Can Say 24-Hour Resources

It is a myth that asking someone about suicide actually creates suicidal thoughts. Talking to individuals about suicide does not increase their risk. If you are concerned for your immediate safety or the immediate safety of others, please call 911.

Suicide Warning Signs

While no one can predict with great accuracy who may attempt suicide, the following signs may indicate a risk of suicidal behavior:

  • Verbalizing suicidal thoughts and feelings
    • This may include spoken statements or expressions in writing or artwork.
  • Depression
    Being clinically depressed increases suicide risk. Signs include:
    • Depressed, sad, or down mood
    • Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and/or worthlessness
    • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
    • Significant loss or gain of appetite or weight
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
    • Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
    • Previous suicide attempts
    • Preoccupation with death
  • Significant loss: Such as the death of a loved one, end of a relationship, physical health decline, or loss of another important life aspect.
  • Alcohol or drug abuse: Or increased substance use, which may lead to impaired judgment, impulsivity, and disinhibition.
  • Having a suicidal plan: The more specific the plan, the higher the risk.
  • Giving things away or making final arrangements: This may indicate preparation for suicide.
  • Significant behavior or functioning changes: Noticeable shifts in mood, social behavior, academic performance, or work habits.

Suicide Risk Factors

Common Risk Factors for Suicide:

  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Substance abuse
  • Untreated mental illness
  • Lack of social support
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feeling like a burden to others
  • Impulsivity
  • Access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, pills, etc.)
  • Recent loss or tragic event

Responding Do’s & Don’ts

Responding Do’s:

  • Call 911
  • Stay calm
  • Trust your intuition
  • Listen carefully
  • Take concerns seriously
  • Take your time
  • Know your limitations
  • Consult appropriately
  • Ask direct questions
  • Provide resources
  • Encourage the person to access professional support

Responding Don’ts:

  • Ignore the warning signs
  • Leave the person alone
  • Minimize the situation
  • Promise confidentiality
  • Judge or criticize
  • Make the problem your own
  • Involve yourself beyond your limits
  • Endanger yourself
  • Argue or try to change the individual’s emotions

What You Can Say

Ask Directly About Suicide:

  • “Are you thinking of suicide?”
  • “Are you considering harming/killing yourself?”
  • “Have things gotten so bad that you don’t care if you live or die?”

24-Hour Resources

If you are concerned for your immediate safety or the immediate safety of others, call 911.