What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
Important Takeaways
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Suicide often has warning signs, including talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from friends and activities, or feeling hopeless.
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Changes in sleep, eating, mood, or behavior — along with feelings of hopelessness or persistent sadness — can be signs that someone needs help.
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If you’re worried about yourself or a friend, trust your gut and take action by reaching out for support.
Sometimes suicide can seem sudden, but in many cases there are signs and symptoms that someone is considering it. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in teenagers, and deaths by suicide are on the rise in teens and young adults. It’s important to know the signs so you or someone you know can get help.
If you need help right now:
- Text HOME to 741-741 for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor any time of day.
- Text or call 988 or use the chat function at 988lifeline.org.
- If this is a medical emergency or there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.
Things someone may say or think:
- Talking or thinking about wanting to die, “killing themselves,” or suicide
- Mentioning ways to end their life or making specific plans to do so
- Thinking or talking about feeling empty, alone, or “over it”
- Saying people in their life would be better off without them
Things someone may do:
- Say goodbye to friends and family
- Sleep less—or a lot more—than usual
- Eat much less—or a lot more—than usual
- Withdraw from people or social activities
- Stop taking care of their personal hygiene
- Increase their use of alcohol or drugs
- Act recklessly
- Have big changes in their usual behavior
Ways someone may feel:
- Extremely anxious, agitated, irritable, or angry
- Persistently sad or depressed
- Up and down in their moods
- Hopeless, trapped, or without purpose
- Like a burden to others
- Numb or not interested in the parts of life they usually enjoy
Any of these signs can indicate that someone is considering suicide or that they are experiencing serious emotional distress and need support right away.
It is also possible that someone is thinking about suicide and not showing any of these signs.
The bottom line is: If you’re worried about yourself or a friend, trust that instinct and take action.
Find out How to Ask Someone If They Are Considering Suicide.
Learn How to Tell Someone You Are Thinking About Suicide
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If it is a medical emergency or there is immediate danger of harm, call 911. Let the operator know you are calling about a mental health emergency and follow these tips to ensure the police arrive prepared to respond appropriately.
Additional resources
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for a referral for mental health treatment
- Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860
- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ) Helpline: Call 1-866-4UTREVOR (1-866-488-7386), chat online, or text START to 678-678
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255, chat online, or text 83825
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat online, or text START to 88788
- National Runaway Safeline: Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or chat online
- Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some things someone may say if they’re thinking about suicide?
They may talk about wanting to die or feeling alone or empty, or they may say others would be better off without them. They may also mention specific plans or ways to end their life.
What behaviors might show that someone is struggling?
Someone may be struggling if they pull away from friends, sleep or eat much more or less than usual, or stop caring for themselves. They may also use more alcohol or drugs or act recklessly. Learn more about suicidal behaviors and when to seek immediate help.
How might someone feel if they’re considering suicide?
Someone considering suicide may feel hopeless, trapped, numb, or like a burden. They may also feel very anxious, sad, or angry, or have moods that go up and down.
Can someone be thinking about suicide without showing any signs?
Yes, it’s possible for someone to consider suicide without showing obvious warning signs. That’s why it’s important to trust your instincts if something feels off.
What should I do if I’m worried about myself or someone else?
Learn how to tell someone you are thinking about suicide or how to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988 or use the chat function at 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741. If this is a medical emergency or if there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.
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