Know the Warning Signs & Risk Factors of Suicide
Worried about someone — or wondering if you should be?
Below are some common warning signs and risk factors for suicide. If someone you know is showing one or more of these signs, take them seriously.
Reaching out can make a difference — and could save a life.
Not sure what to do next? Call Careline. We’re here to help.
Some warning signs may include:
- Talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
- Seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.
- Intense focus on death, dying, or suicide.
- Engaging in reckless activities—seemingly without thinking.
- Dramatic mood changes.
- Preparatory behaviors- giving away valued possessions, making a will, etc.
Suicide risk factors may include:
- Access to lethal means- a firearm in the home can greatly increase risk.
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
- Prior suicide attempts.
- A history of violence
- Isolation from friends, family, and support systems.
- Inability to access mental health care.
What can I do?
Contact Careline:
Limit access:
Lock up firearms, pills, and other potentially lethal means. Research shows that reducing access to lethal means saves lives. Reducing access to means, especially firearms, can help reduce the risk of a fatal suicide attempt.
Learn more about securing lethal means here: https://www.va.gov/reach/lethal-means/
Call Careline:
Not sure whether to worry about someone’s behavior? Not sure how to reach out? Call us, we can help.