What are the early signs of suicidal ideation?
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world. Research from 2023 found that one person died by suicide every 11 minutes in the U.S. Despite this, suicide is considered preventable — especially when you’re familiar with suicide warning signs.
Most people who take their own life exhibit warning signs, like changes in behavior, mood, or way of thinking. Rula shares what to look for to help recognize when someone is in distress, so you can connect them with the lifesaving care they deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., but it can be prevented with help from a loved one.
- Learning to recognize suicide warning signs, like changes in behavior or mood, can help you understand when someone is in distress.
- If someone in your life is struggling with their mental health and well-being, encourage them to speak with a mental health professional right away. You can even help them find a therapist.
*A note on safety: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 confidential support through trained crisis counselors. If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, self-harm, or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. For life-threatening emergencies or immediate assistance, call 911.
1. Things someone might say
Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness can be a warning sign of suicide risk. Sometimes, people may voice thoughts of suicide directly or indirectly. For example, they might say, “I wish I wasn’t here,” or, “Nobody needs me.” When someone expresses thoughts like these, it’s a sign they may be struggling and could benefit from immediate support.
If it seems like someone in your life is having a difficult time, make a point to pay attention to their words. Someone who’s contemplating suicide may talk about:
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped or empty
- Feeling unbearable pain
- Wishing they weren’t alive
2. Changes in mood and behavior
It’s common for people who die by suicide to exhibit changes in mood and behavior. A study of people who previously attempted suicide found that some common behavior changes were increased isolation, anxiety and agitation, and worsening of pre-existing mental health symptoms.
- Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Withdrawing from friends, family members, and/or social activities
- Noticeable changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Losing interest in personal appearance and hygiene
- Saying goodbye to family and friends
- Giving away prized possessions
- Recent suicide attempt(s) or self-harming behavior
3. Self-harming behaviors
Self-harm, or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), is when a person intentionally harms themself without the intent to die. Self-harm can take many forms, including cutting, burning, and scratching. Not everyone who self-harms has suicidal intent, but it is considered a risk factor for suicide.
Signs of self-harming behaviors include:
- Having unexplained injuries, like cuts or burns
- Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather
- Avoiding situations in which other people might see their skin
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Experiencing low self-esteem
4. Social and environmental influences
When considering a person’s risk of suicide, it’s important to think about all aspects of their life. Everyone is different, but certain social and environmental influences may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Individual risk factors: Previous suicide attempt(s), unmanaged mental health condition(s), legal problems
- Relationship risk factors: Social withdrawal, being in a violent relationship, having a loved one who took their own life
- Community risk factors: Community violence, discrimination, limited access to healthcare
Protective factors against suicide
It’s important to recognize suicide warning signs, but it's also essential to understand how to prevent suicide in the first place. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are several proven protective factors against suicide.
These protective factors include:
- Access to mental health providers, like therapists, psychologists, and/or psychiatrists
- A strong support network and feeling connected to family, friends, and community
- Healthy coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills
- Belief systems that encourage connection, purpose, and self-awareness
What to do if you notice a red flag
If someone in your life seems to be at risk of suicide, you’re probably wondering how you can help. Research shows that the majority of people say they’d like to support a loved one in this situation, but fear they’d say the wrong thing or make the situation worse.
There’s no rulebook for navigating this situation, but the following tips can help you address the topic with sensitivity and compassion.
1. Start the conversation
If you're concerned about a loved one who seems to be struggling, make a point to check in. Not everyone will show obvious suicide warning signs, so trust your gut and ask how they're doing.
Consider directly asking, "Have you ever had thoughts of suicide?" Otherwise, even a simple comment, like, “I know life can be hard sometimes. I’m always here if you want to talk,” can make a meaningful difference.
2. Remember to listen
When someone decides to open up to you, the best thing you can do is listen. Instead of panicking or challenging their thoughts and feelings, try to remain calm and supportive. Social support has been shown to reduce people’s risk of suicide.
3. Notice and respond
Recognizing when someone may be at risk of suicide can help you take appropriate action. As a friend or loved one, your role isn’t to diagnose or formally assess risk. That’s the job of trained mental health professionals.
But you can help by making their environment safer — like removing medications, alcohol, or firearms — and connecting them to support. In other cases, support might mean calling 988 for the crisis hotline or bringing them to a hospital.
Clinician’s take
A subtle but important warning sign is when someone starts giving away possessions or tying up ‘loose ends.’ It can seem thoughtful or generous on the surface, but it may be an early signal that they’re preparing for the possibility of not being around anymore. — Brandy Chalmers, LPC, Clinical reviewer
This story was produced by Rula and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Commented