Look Out for Loved Ones

• Sudden rejection by a loved one
• Sudden break up of a boyfriend or girlfriend
• An unwanted separation or divorce
• Rejection of a friend

• Could indicate financial troubles or job loss
• Could increase feelings of isolation or shame

Rapid speech, difficulty sitting still, irritability, stomachache or headache, talking about feeling uncertain or anxious. Those having thoughts of suicide are often ambivalent about death. This means that part of them wants to live, but part of them also wants to die. This ambivalence can cause someone to experience uneasy, worry, and nervousness about their decision.

• Missing appointments
• Sudden drop in grades
• Not getting work done
• Withdrawing from social situations
• Sudden improvement in mood, behavior, or work performance with no explanation. Could indicate the person has “made a decision” to end their life which has decreased their pain and anxiety.

Sleeping a lot more or less than usual

Death of a friend or family member, especially if the person died by suicide

• Persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that may impact energy, concentration, daily behavior, sleep, appetite, and self-esteem.
• Depression is both biological and physiological in nature and is the number one cause of suicidal behavior. It is highly treatable.

Especially if they;

• Are experiencing chronic pain
• Received a life-threatening or frightening diagnosis

• Not bathing
• Not caring about appearance or hygiene
• Not taking medication
• Not exercising

• Job loss
• Excessive debt
• Financial stress
• Reckless spending

• Putting business and personal affairs in order
• Making or changing a will
• Taking out insurance policies
• Making funeral plans
• Could include cleaning or organizing their space, or making arrangements for a pet

Giving away;

• money
• prized possessions

• Prescription or illicit drugs
• Reckless or excessive use

• Stocking up on pills
• Purchasing or acquiring a gun/ammunition
• Searching on the internet for ways or means to end their life
• Relapse or increased use of drugs and alcohol

• Being fired or quitting
• Loss of face or perceived failure at work

Stopping or disinterest in normal activities

The key is any sudden “change” in personality. You know your friends, family, coworkers, etc. best. You will notice if something is off. This is always a good time to check in with someone.

• Talking about death
• Texting about death
• Posting on social media about death or dying

• Experimentation with drugs and alcohol
• Driving erratically
• Disregard for personal safety
• Promiscuous behavior
• Reckless spending

Talking about feeling lonely or alone

• Some people are looking for closure or answers and seek out religious institutions in times of crisis.
• Others may feel like they are going against their religious beliefs by contemplating suicide, so they stop attending.

• About to be arrested
• Loss of driving privilege or driver’s license
• Loss of phone privileges

The key is any sudden “change” in mood. You know your friends, family, coworkers, etc. best. You will notice if something is off. This is always just a good time to check in with someone. This may include a sudden calm or euphoria, since the decision to end one’s life sometimes feels like a relief of pain.

Examples:

•  “Nobody needs me anymore”
• “Nobody will miss me when I’m gone’
• “My family would be better off without me”
• “You won’t have to take care of me much longer”

• “If ____ happens, I’m going to kill myself”
• “I don’t want to live anymore”
• “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up”

• “I can’t do this anymore.”
• “What’s the point? Nothing matters.”
• “I only make things worse.”

• Saying goodbyes
• Might include saying “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” or “I love you”
• Might include a written note, social media post, phone call, or visit

• Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities
• This includes withdrawing from activities the person previously enjoyed.