FACT SHEET 2
SUICIDE SIGNS
Certain behaviors are indicators that can help parents or friends recognize the threat of suicide in a loved one. Since mental and substance-related disorders frequently accompany suicidal behavior, many of the cues to look for are symptoms associated with such disorders as depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use, disruptive behavior disorders, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia.
Some common symptoms of these disorders include:
Extreme personality changes
Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
Significant loss of or increase in appetite
Difficulty falling asleep or desire to sleep all day
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Withdrawal from family and friends
Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
Sadness, irritability, or indifference
Extreme anxiety or panic
Drug or alcohol use or abuse
Aggressive, destructive, or defiant behavior
Poor school performance
Hallucinations or unusual beliefs
It is tragic that many of these signs go unrecognized. And while suffering from one of these symptoms certainly does not necessarily mean that one is suicidal, it’s always best to communicate openly with a loved one who has one or more of these behaviors, especially if they are unusual for that person.
There are also some more obvious signs of the potential for committing suicide. Putting one’s affairs in order, such as giving or throwing away favorite belongings, is a strong clue. And it can’t be stressed too strongly that any talk of death or suicide should be taken seriously and paid close attention to. It is a sad fact that while many of those who have committed suicide talked about it beforehand, only 33 percent to 50 percent were identified by their doctors as having a mental illness at the time of their death, and only 15 percent of suicide victims were in treatment at the time of their death. Any history of previous suicide attempts also is reason for concern and watchfulness. Approximately one-third of teens who die by suicide have made a previous suicide attempt. Also, while more females than males attempt suicide, more males are successful in completing suicide.
Recommended Resources
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
3615 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-3007
Phone: 202-966-7300
Fax: 202-966-2891
Website: www.aacap.org
American Association of Suicidology
4201 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 408
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 202-237-2280
Fax: 202-237-2282
Website: www.suicidology.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
120 Wall St., 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone (toll-free): 888-333-AFSP (2377)
Phone (local): 212-363-3500
Fax: 212/363-6237
Website: www.afsp.org
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Teenage Suicide,” http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Teenage_Suicide.htm.