Delaware County Suicide Prevention Awareness
Suicide Warning Signs
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Warning signs indicate that someone may be suicidal.  They show that something is very wrong. Though they appear clear and concrete they are often hard to see in someone that we are close to or in ourselves. Warning signs are not always present, but it is important that they be identified when they are evident.

  • Hopelessness, worthlessness, feeling a loss of control, helplessnee
  • Threatening to harm oneself or completing suicide
  • Having a definite plan for completing suicide
  • Acquiring the means to complete suicide (e.g, getting a gun)
  • Rehearsing or visiting a place to complete suicide
  • Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
  • Changes in eating, sleeping, and personal care
  • Apathy, lack of energy, inability to focus

  • Talking or writing about death, drawing images of death
  • Withdrawing from social relationships or activities
  • Losing interest in hobbies, work, school
  • Giving away highly valued personal items or possessions
  • Undergoing significant changes in mood and personality
  • Engaging in reckless or dangerous behaviors
  • Making a will, funeral arrangements, or telling others how affairs should be handled