With more people facing mental health struggles, being aware of the warning signs of suicide is more important than ever.
Recognizing these signs early can make a real difference, allowing you to step in and offer support before things reach a crisis point.
In this article, we’ll walk through 10 key signs to help you notice when someone might be struggling and encourage them to get the professional help they need.
Key Points
- Key Points
- Suicide is a major cause of death and affects individuals of all ages.
- Recognizing the warning signs of suicide can be life-saving, as early intervention is crucial.
- Signs like talking about death, expressing hopelessness, or withdrawing from social interactions are important indicators of suicide risk.
- Behavioral changes, such as giving away cherished belongings or engaging in reckless activities, should never be ignored.
- If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, taking immediate action and seeking professional support is essential.
- There is hope, and mental health recovery is within reach.
10 Warning Signs of Suicide Everyone Should Know
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide starts with noticing changes in behavior, mood, or the way someone communicates.
These shifts can be a sign that someone is struggling with their mental health.
It’s not always easy to spot, but knowing what to look for can give you the chance to step in and offer support.
Below are some key warning signs to help you recognize when someone might be considering suicide.
Help is Available 24/7
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, dial 988, or text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Help is available 24/7.
1. Talking About Wanting to Die or End Their Life
When someone talks about wanting to die or mentions suicide, whether directly or indirectly, it should always be taken seriously.1
Even comments made in passing or as a joke can reflect deep emotional distress or despair.
Phrases like “I wish I were dead” or “Everyone would be better off without me” are clear signs someone may be suicidal and in need of immediate support.
Recognizing these statements as a cry for help can make all the difference in stepping in and offering the support they need.
2. Increased Isolation and Withdrawing from Social Interactions
When someone starts pulling away from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy, it can be a sign they’re struggling.
This kind of isolation often comes from feelings of low self-esteem or not feeling worthy of connection.
If you notice someone withdrawing like this, it’s important to check in and offer support—they might be going through more than they’re able to share.
3. Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness
When someone says things like “I can’t see a way out” or “Things will never get better,” it often shows they’re feeling deeply hopeless.
This overwhelming sense of being stuck in emotional pain is a key warning sign of suicidal thoughts.
Hopelessness can cloud their ability to see any hope for the future, making it crucial to take these feelings seriously.
4. Displaying Extreme Mood Swings
Extreme mood swings, like moving from deep sadness to sudden calmness or even happiness, can be a major red flag.
This shift can happen when someone has decided to end their life, giving them a sense of relief or peace.
These changes can be a sign that they’ve reached a dangerous point and need support right away.
Discover Mental Health Support at Cornerstone
If you're struggling with your mental health or see warning signs in someone else, we can help. At Cornerstone Healing Center, we provide the support needed to prevent suicide and guide individuals toward recovery.
5. Talking About Feeling Like a Burden
When someone says things like “You’d be better off without me” or “I’m just causing problems for everyone,” it can reveal that they’re feeling like a burden to those around them.
These thoughts often come from intense guilt and shame, and they can be a sign of deeper struggles, including suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to take these statements seriously, as they may be reaching out for help in their own way.
6. Engaging in Reckless or Risky Behavior
When someone starts acting recklessly—like abusing substances, driving dangerously, or taking big risks—it’s often a sign they’re going through something difficult.
This kind of behavior shows they may not care about their safety or the consequences, which can point to serious emotional pain.
Recognizing these actions as signs someone may be suicidal is essential—it could be the first step to getting them the help they need before things get worse.
7. Giving Away Personal Belongings
When someone starts giving away personal or cherished possessions, it could be a sign they’re preparing for the end of their life.
This gesture often reflects the deep emotional pain they’re experiencing and may be their way of saying goodbye.
If someone begins parting with valued items unexpectedly, it’s a sign they could be struggling more than they’re letting on, and they may need help and support.
Reaching Out Could Save a Life
If someone you know shows signs of distress, like withdrawing or acting recklessly, don’t hesitate to reach out. It takes courage to offer support, and it’s even braver to seek help when needed. Your actions can make a meaningful difference in their life.
8. Increased Use of Drugs or Alcohol
When someone starts drinking or using drugs more than usual, it can be a way of trying to numb emotional pain.
Substance abuse often goes hand in hand with suicidal thoughts, as people may be looking for a way to escape how they’re feeling.2
It’s a major red flag that shouldn’t be ignored, as it often signals that they’re struggling deeply and may need help.
9. Talking About Feeling Trapped or in Unbearable Pain
When someone expresses feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, it can be a sign they’re overwhelmed by their emotions and feel there’s no escape from their suffering.
Statements like “I can’t take this anymore” or “There’s no way out” often reveal a deep feeling of being trapped and overall helplessness.
These words are powerful indicators of emotional distress and should never be ignored.
They may reflect not only the person’s pain but also their belief that suicide is the only way to end it.
10. Suddenly Becoming Calm After a Period of Distress
When someone who has been visibly struggling suddenly seems calm or at peace, it can be a sign that they’ve decided to end their life.
This calmness often comes because they feel a sense of relief after deciding to act on their suicidal thoughts.
It’s important not to dismiss this change—it could mean they’ve created a plan and believe they’ve found a way out of their pain.
Paying attention to this shift can make all the difference in getting them the help they need before it’s too late.
There's Always Hope
The pain you’re feeling right now is temporary, even if it feels like it will never end. Suicide is a permanent decision to a struggle that can be worked through with the right support. Don’t hesitate to reach out—there’s always hope and brighter days are ahead, even if they feel far away.
Treatment and Support Options for Suicide Prevention
Recognizing warning signs is crucial, but knowing the next steps is equally important.
Here are some treatment and support options for individuals at risk of suicide:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals manage suicidal thoughts and address negative thinking patterns.
- Trauma Therapy: Assists in processing past trauma that may be contributing to emotional distress.
- Group Counseling: Provides a supportive environment to connect with others facing similar struggles.
- Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Crisis Text Lines: Offer immediate, confidential support during moments of crisis.3
Encouraging professional help and offering emotional support can make a big difference in guiding someone toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common warning signs of suicide?
What should I do if I notice someone showing these warning signs?
Can changes in behavior, such as giving away belongings, indicate suicide risk?
Are sudden mood swings a warning sign of suicide?
Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help at Cornerstone
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide—such as talking about death, withdrawing from others, or displaying sudden mood changes—is critical to saving lives.
If you notice someone displaying signs of suicidal behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out and encourage them to seek professional help.
Offering support and being there for someone can make all the difference in preventing a crisis.
Cornerstone Healing Center offers comprehensive mental health services for those in need of care and guidance.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—don’t wait to reach out.
