Suicide awareness and prevention are important. Suicidal thinking is serious. It does not always mean a person will take their own life. Suicidal thinking can be a symptom of a deeper unresolved issue. Having a plan for suicide is much more serious than just thinking or talking about it.
Here are some warning signs (from Mass General Hospital):
- Talking about wanting to die or killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Looking for ways to end their lives, such as searching online or buying weapons
- Withdrawing from loved ones or feeling isolated
- Increasing use of drugs or alcohol
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Acting reckless, agitated, or anxious
- Feeling hopeless or in despair followed by sudden relief or improvement. This can be a sign that a person has made a suicide plan and feels relieved that they will no longer be in pain if they end their life.
Please check out our new fact sheet for suicide awareness and prevention resources and ways to help.