Suicide Warning Signs

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

To further raise awareness about suicide, the It’s On My Mind campaign has identified the following warning signs:

Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself

Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means

Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person

Feeling hopeless

Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking

Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out

Increasing alcohol or drug use

Withdrawing from friends, family, and society

Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Experiencing dramatic mood changes

Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

Seek help immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these warning signs: Go to your nearest emergency room, contact a mental health professional or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

College students can get information on their campus resources or emergency contact information by visiting

Kathleen Young, Psy.D.

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