Warning Signs of Suicide: What to Look For and How to Help
When someone is struggling with suicide, the act of intentionally ending one’s own life, often due to overwhelming emotional pain or mental illness. Also known as self-harm with fatal intent, it rarely happens without clues. Most people who die by suicide show clear signs—often for weeks or even months—before they act. These aren’t vague hints or dramatic statements. They’re specific changes in behavior, speech, and routine that most people overlook because they don’t fit the stereotype of a "depressed person." You don’t need to be a therapist to spot them. You just need to pay attention.
The most urgent signs include talking about wanting to die, feeling trapped, or being a burden to others. These aren’t cries for attention—they’re signals that the person feels there’s no way out. Other red flags are giving away prized possessions, saying goodbye in a final way, or suddenly appearing calm after a long period of depression. That quietness? It can mean they’ve made a decision. Risk goes up when someone stops seeing a point in tomorrow. You’ll also see them withdraw from friends, stop caring about personal hygiene, or lose interest in things they once loved. Sleep changes—sleeping too much or not at all—are common. So is increased use of alcohol or drugs. These aren’t random habits. They’re coping mechanisms for unbearable pain.
What makes these signs harder to notice?
Many people hide their pain behind smiles or busy routines. A parent might seem fine at work but stop eating at home. A teen might post upbeat photos online while scrolling through suicide forums at night. The person might even say they’re "getting better"—but their actions tell a different story. That’s why you can’t rely on what someone says. You have to watch what they do. And if you’re unsure? It’s better to ask. Asking doesn’t plant the idea. It opens the door. People who feel suicidal often feel alone. Just saying "I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet lately. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" can be the first step toward saving a life.
You’ll find real stories and practical advice in the articles below. Some explain how certain medications can trigger suicidal thoughts. Others show how depression, chronic pain, or isolation create the perfect storm. You’ll learn what to say when someone opens up—and what not to say. You’ll see how to help someone get professional care, even if they resist. And you’ll find out why some people survive a crisis while others don’t. This isn’t about theory. It’s about recognizing the signs before it’s too late. And knowing what to do next.
