Warning Signs

Warning signs of suicide:

You may have heard that people who talk about suicide won’t actually go through with it. However, people who commit suicide often give some warning of their intentions to take their life. The majority of people who attempt suicide say or do something to express their intention before they act. This means all suicide threats should be taken seriously. You can do something to help a friend or a family member who is thinking about taking their life.

Warning signs to look out for:

• Talking or joking about suicide. Talking about dying, suicide or saying things like “Nothing matters”, “I wish I was dead” or “I won’t be around for long”.
• Depression. Feeling hopeless, losing interest in doing anything, and withdrawing from family and friends.
• Preparing for death. Giving away favourite things and saying goodbye.
• Self-criticism. Saying things like “I can do anything right” and “I am pathetic and useless”.
• Changes in mood. Becoming negative, aggressive or irritable and not wanting to go out or see friends, or do anything.
• Loss of interest in appearance and drop in hygiene. Not getting dressed, washing and bathing and not caring about what one looks like.
• Risk-taking behaviour. Doing risky, dangerous things like drinking and driving, having unprotected sex or taking drugs. Excessive feelings of guilt, self-blame, failure or shame.
• Writing poems, essays, text messages or painting images of death.
• A history of previous suicide attempts.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT SOME PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE WITHOUT SHOWING ANY WARNING SIGNS!