What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

Parents and teachers should be aware of the following warning signs of children or teens who may be at risk of trying to hurt themselves.

• Withdrawal from family, friends, school, interests or part-time job. Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed

• Slipping grades, skipping classes or problems concentrating

• Increase in risk-taking or reckless behaviours

• New or increased self-harm behaviour

• Increase in substance use

• Increased aggression, irritability, acting-out behaviours, rapid mood changes or “flat” mood

• Increased conflicts with family or friends

• Putting their affairs in order, for example giving away favourite possessions or throwing away important belongings

• Dark themes in art, poetry or writing

• Expressing feelings of depression, hopelessness and helplessness, such as “Everyone will be better without me”, “I wish I were dead” or “I just can’t take it anymore”

• Expressing feelings of being a bad person, feelings of guilt or shame

• Changes in eating, sleeping or personal hygiene habits

• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, etc.

• Making self-critical remarks or having difficulty accepting praise

• Talk of death or suicide, making jokes about suicide like “You’ll miss me when I’m gone”