Help+Hope

The Warning Signs of Suicide

Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. In the days and hours before people kill themselves, there are usually clues and warning signs. It's VERY crucial that we see, understand, and LISTEN.

​The strongest and most disturbing signs are verbal - "I can't go on," "Nothing matters any more" or even "I'm thinking of ending it all." Such remarks should always be taken seriously and actions steps are necessary.

myth
CPR training
Other common warning signs include:

Becoming depressed or withdrawn

Behaving recklessly

Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions

Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes or appearance

Abusing drugs or alcohol

Suffering a major loss or life change

The following list gives more examples, all of which can be signs that somebody is thinking of suicide (suicidal ideation). In most cases these situations do not lead to suicide. But, generally, the more signs a person displays, the higher the risk of suicide.

Situations

Family history of suicide or violence

Sexual or physical abuse

Death of a close friend or family member

Divorce or separation, ending a relationship

Failing academic performance, impending exams, exam results

Job loss, problems at work

Impending legal action

Recent imprisonment or upcoming release

suiside rate
mental dealth
Behaviors

Crying

Fighting

Breaking the law

Impulsiveness

Self-mutilation

Writing about death and suicide

Previous suicidal behavior

Extremes of behavior

Changes in behavior

Searching the internet for sites about suicide or suicide methods

Physical Changes

Lack of energy

Disturbed sleep patterns - sleeping too much or too little

Loss of appetite

Sudden weight gain or loss

Increase in minor illnesses

Change of sexual interest

Sudden change in appearance

Lack of interest in appearance

strength
life to suicide
Thoughts and Emotions

Thoughts of suicide

Loneliness - lack of support from family and friends

Rejection, feeling marginalized

Deep sadness or guilt

Unable to see beyond a narrow focus

Daydreaming

Anxiety and stress

Helplessness

Loss of self-worth

The most important step is to talk to someone. People who feel suicidal should not try to cope alone. They should seek help NOW. Time is crucial.

Talk to family or friends. Just talking to a family member or a friend or a colleague can bring huge relief.

Talk to a befriender. Some people cannot talk to family or friends. Some find it easier to talk to a stranger. There are befriending centers all over the world, with volunteers who have been trained to listen. If calling is too difficult, the person can send an email; some centers provide face-to-face help for people who drop by, and some provide help by internet one-to-one chat and respond to SMS text messages.

Talk to a doctor. If someone is going through a longer period of feeling low or suicidal, he or she may be suffering from clinical depression. This is a medical condition and can usually be treated by a doctor through the prescription of drugs and/or a referral to therapy. Other mental health problems, as well as substance abuse increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, and these can be treated. The first step is to see a doctor or mental health professional.

Time is an important factor in ‘moving on', but what happens in that time also matters. When someone is feeling suicidal, they should talk about their feelings immediately and NEVER leave a suicidal person alone.

zoom class
Suicide Prevention Class

Hope Gatekeepers provides free online suicide prevention classes. Just as you believe in CPR classes to hopefully save a life—we believe taking a suicide prevention class may save a life.

mental chekup
Mental Health Checkup

September 24, 2021, Hope Gatekeepers will start visiting our communities to bring HOPE. Join us as we educate our communities about suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Events
Events

Our events are uplifting and inspirational for those who lost a loved one to suicide or just have a heart for supporting our communities. Hope Gatekeepers are hope givers and will continue to support families affected by suicide.