Here’s some suicide warning signs

These are warning signs of acute suicide risk:

• Threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself

• Looking for ways to kill him/herself 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

Here are some expanded warning signs of suicide risk:

• Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use

• No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time

• Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out

• Hopelessness

• Withdrawal from friends, family and society

• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge

• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking

• Dramatic mood changes

If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or call a local or national suicide response hotline. These warning signs were compiled by a task force of expert clinical researchers.

Source: American Association of Suicidology http://www.suicidology.org/resources/warning-signs.