WARNING SIGNS Behavioral Signs 1. Crying often or for no reason 2. Lack of energy 3. Sleeping too much or not enough 4. Increase or decrease in appetite 5. Nothing seems fun anymore 6. Loss of interest in and withdrawal from hobbies, sports, job, or school 7. Drop in grades. Difficulty completing assignments or paying attention in class 8. Giving away possessions 9. Tying up loose ends: planning a funeral or writing an obituary or will 10. Impulsiveness and risky behavior such as drunk driving or unprotected sex 11. Previous suicide attempt(s) 12. Suicide attempts or completions by family or friends 13. Increased use of drugs or alcohol 14. Neglecting personal cleanliness and appearance 15. Frequent mention of death in poetry, writing, or art work 16. Change in sexual behavior, such as increase or decrease in sexual activity 17. Self-harm, such as cutting, burning or choking oneself 18. Suddenly seeming happy after showing many of these signs for a period of time
Verbal Signs 1. Direct statements: a. "I want to die" b. "I don't want to live anymore" 2. Indirect statements: a. "I hate my life” b.“ I want to go to sleep and never wake up" c. "They'll be sorry when I'm gone" d. "Soon the pain will be over"
Thoughts & Feelings 1. Feeling sad or hopeless all the time 2. Not enjoying things you used to enjoy 3. Feeling confused, having a hard time making decisions 4. Can’t seem to concentrate 5. Feeling angry, irritable, destructive or violent 6. Feeling isolated and lonely 7. Guilt, self-blame, sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem 8. Feeling anxious or having panic attacks 9. Distorted thinking – hard to remember ever feeling good 10. Lack of interest in plans for the future 11. Can’t stop the pain 12. Can’t think clearly 13. Can’t see any way out 14. Can’t sleep, eat, or work 15. Can’t get out of depression 16. Can’t make the sadness go away 17. Can’t see a future without pain 18. Can’t see themselves as worthwhile 19. Can’t get anyone’s attention 20. Can’t seem to get control 21. Thinking about suicide 22. Feelings of despair
Almost all teenagers will tell someone of their intent to die. That someone is most often another teenager. If you or someone you know experience these warning signs or feelings, GET HELP.
HOW TO RESPOND Acknowledge · Acknowledge that your friend has a problem, and the symptoms are serious. · Express concern about changes in your friend's behavior. · Give specific examples of what you’ve noticed. Say, “You never want to go out with us any more. It seems like you sleep all the time. I’m worried about you.” · Take the suicidal crisis seriously,no matter how small your friend’s problems may seem to you.
Care · Let your friend know you’re there for them, and that you want to help. · Listen carefully. Put yourself in your friend’s shoes. · Avoid criticism - Don't tell your friend he or she is wrong, stupid or crazy. · Try not to act shocked. Express your concern in a non-judgmental manner. · Ask direct questions about suicide. Ask "Have you been thinking about killing yourself?" or "Have you been feeling bad enough to want to end your life?" Ask if the person has a plan.
Tell · Tell a trusted adult who will take the necessary action to get help. · Sometimes, suicidal people don’t admit that they plan to kill themselves. If someone is showing warning signs, take them seriously and get help. · Encourage your friend to think of someone to talk to. If they can't, then tell someone yourself. · If your friend asks you to keep a secret, break a secret to save a life. · If you think your friend is in immediate danger, stay with him or her until help arrives. · Get help. DO NOT HANDLE THIS ALONE. You may feel uncomfortable talking directly about suicide. This is understandable. We are not asking you to do anything that you are not comfortable doing. If you think your friend is at risk and you don't want to talk to your friend, be sure to get help. Also, remember, there are limits to what you can do.Each person must take responsibility for his or her own life.
You are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.
