Suicide: Signs
Learning the signs of suicide can save a life.
Knowing the possible signs of suicide might help prevent the loss of a life. Suicide can occur when a person feels a continual sense of helplessness following a stressful life event, such as a perceived failure at school, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major family conflict.
Know the signs of suicide. Someone who is thinking about suicide may:
- Talk about suicide or death in general
- Talk about "going away"
- Talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
- Pull away from friends or family
- Lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities
- Have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Experience changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Demonstrate self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example)
