Holding the Lifeline
A Guide to Suicide Prevention
Module 1: The Nature and Scope of Suicide - Page 12 of 15
The Warning Signs of Suicide
All members of a community owe it to their families and other loved ones and to society to learn the warning signs of suicide.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline recommends contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-8255 for a referral if someone exhibits one or more of the following:
Warning Signs for Suicide:
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities--seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped--like there's no way out
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
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Last Updated: 5/11/06
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
