Suicidal Behavior

Eight out of ten people who kill themselves have given definite clues as to their intentions.

Suicidal people are often undecided about living or dying. They often give clues and then "gamble" on whether or not they will be saved.

Emotional Clues

• depressed and sad
• mood change (depressed to elated or vice versa)
• tearful
• sullen
• quiet, withdrawn
• inability to concentrate, agitated
• feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, self-hate

Behavioral Clues

• sudden change in behaviour
• giving away favorite possessions
• drug and/or alcohol abuse
• thanking people for their kindness, settling affairs, tying up loose ends, writing good-bye letters
• previous suicide attempt by themselves or family members or friends

Physical Clues

• loss of interest in appearance
• loss of interest in friends, activities, and/or intimate (or sexual) relationships
• loss of energy
• poor sleep habits (either sleeping all the time or hardly ever sleeping)
• weight gain or loss

Verbal Clues

• no longer communicating effectively with others
• speaks of not being here in the future: e.g. "They'd be better off without me" or "You won't have to worry about me much longer"
• a noticeable absence of any future in conversation
• asks questions about dying
• talks openly about suicide
• talks of issues related to sexual or gender identity; in particular concern about being gay/lesbian
• talks of identity or cultural conflicts that lead to beliefs such as, "I don't know who I am", or "I'm different and don't fit in anywhere"