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  Suicide Warning Signs (Adapted from Nami New-Hampshire)

 

Cause for Immediate Action

Behavioral—

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

  • Looking for ways to die 

  • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide

 

Verbal—Direct Statements of Suicidal Intent—

  • “I’m going to end it all.”

  • “I wish I were dead.”

  • “I’ve decided to kill myself.”

  • “I’m going to be with ( the person who has died) soon.”

 

Less Direct Statements of Suicidal Intent—

  • “Everyone would be better off without me.”

  • “Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me.”

  • “Who cares if I am dead anyway?”

  • “It isn’t worth it anymore.”

  • "I just...can't."

 

Immediate Action

  • Call 911 or take the person to the Emergency Room 

  • Do not leave the person alone, not even for a minute—not even to go to the bathroom!

  • Please inform dispatch of any threats toward emergency responders if the police are called.

  • You may also inform dispatch if the person is experiencing a mental illness, is a child or youth, and if it would be best to not respond with sirens and lights. Note: It is still up to the response team to decide how to respond.

 

Cause for Concern - Get Help for the Person at Risk

  • Feeling hopeless; trapped, like there’s no way out

  • Feeling rage or uncontrollable anger or seeking revenge

  • Dramatic mood changes

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

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

  • Increasing alcohol or drug use

  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and society

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

  • Sudden improvement in mood after being down or withdrawn

  • Giving away favorite possessions; making final arrangements  

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