Danger Signs of Suicide
Feeling Hopelessness "There's no way that I can make things better"
Feeling Trapped "I feel like there's no way out"
Withdrawal from family / friends
Anxiety, agitation
sleep problems (too much or too little)
Dramatic mood changes
No reason for living "Life isn't worth living"
Reckless, risk-taking behavior
***These signs are serious - call Crisis Intervention or 911 for professional help.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Threatening to hurt or kill self
Looking for ways to kill self
Citing a doable plan - specifying how and when.
Giving away valued possessions (e.g.. pets, CDs, books, tools, money, etc..)
Making unexpected visits or calls to family members or friends
Settling up affairs, making a will, dictating funeral arrangements
***Signs such as these are serious -
call Crisis Intervention or 911 for professional help.
Here are some helpful suggestions of what to do to help and what not to do:
Do not leave him/her alone or let him/her go off alone.
Do not be judgemental.
Do not argue, debate, analyze or moralize.
Do not try to cheer him/her up.
Do not try to shock or challenge (e.g, saying "Oh go ahead and do it if you want to!")
Do not accept "I'm okay now." (No one recovers immediately from suicidality.)
PLEASE NOTE: a few lines on the Internet do not take the place of professional assistance. Call for help.
Things to do to help:
Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.
If yes, see that s/he is evaluated for suicidal intent.
Take the intent or threat very seriously.
L-I-S-T-E-N!!!
Show that you care and say it.
These are just suggestions - call Crisis Intervention or 911 for help.
If there is no apparent immediate danger (and lethal means in view):
Tell her/him that help is available and you can see that he/she gets it.
Let her/him have some space.
Try to get her/him to an area that's safe, in case there are hidden means.
Remove car keys, if possible.
If there is apparent immediate danger ACT:
Say that you are taking him/her to get help.
See that the person receives a psychiatric evaluation.
*** don't forget the critical need for professional help - it could be a matter of life or death. ***
