Suicide Warning Signs: What to Look For and How to Help
Talking about suicide can feel extremely frightening. You may worry that bringing it up will make things worse, say the wrong thing, or make someone feel uncomfortable. But if you're concerned about someone, staying silent usually isn't the best approach.
Knowing the suicide warning signs can help you recognize when someone may be struggling and give you a starting point for checking in. You don't need to be a mental health professional to notice that something has changed or to let someone know that you care.
And you don't have to have the perfect words, either. Sometimes, simply being willing to ask, “Are you okay?” can open a door that someone has been afraid to open themselves.
In This Article
What Are Suicide Warning Signs?
Suicide warning signs typically refer to changes in someone's behavior, emotions, communication, or circumstances that may indicate they are experiencing a serious emotional crisis or thinking about suicide (also known as suicide ideation).
A person doesn't need to display every warning sign, and one sign by itself doesn't necessarily mean someone is suicidal. What matters is noticing significant changes, especially when several changes appear at the same time.
You may know someone who seems like themselves on the outside while struggling inside. Other people may show obvious changes that make you immediately wonder what is happening. Either way, it's okay to trust your concern enough to check in.
What Suicide Warning Signs Should You Look For?
There are several types of changes that may be worth paying attention to.
Talking About Death or Feeling Like a Burden
Someone may directly talk about wanting to die, but they may also use less direct language.
They might say things like:
“I don't want to be here anymore.”
“Everyone would be better off without me.”
“I can't do this anymore.”
“I wish I could just disappear.”
“There's no point anymore.”
Even if you aren't sure what someone means, statements like these are worth taking seriously.
Withdrawing From Other People
Someone who is struggling may begin pulling away from friends, family, coworkers, classmates, or activities they normally enjoy. They may stop responding to messages, cancel plans more often, spend significantly more time alone, or seem disconnected from people around them. Withdrawal doesn't automatically mean someone is suicidal, of course, but any noticeable change in social behavior can be a reason to check in.
Significant Changes in Mood or Behavior
You might notice a person becoming unusually sad, anxious, irritable, angry, hopeless, or emotionally overwhelmed.
But sometimes the change looks different: Someone who has been extremely distressed may suddenly seem unusually calm after making a decision about what they intend to do. A sudden shift in behavior can be worth paying attention to, especially if you notice it follows a period of severe emotional distress.
Giving Away Possessions or Saying Goodbye
Giving away meaningful belongings, making unusual arrangements, or saying goodbye to people in a way that feels out of character can sometimes be a warning sign.
Again, context matters: There may be completely unrelated reasons for these behaviors.
But if they occur alongside other concerning changes, don't ignore your instincts.
Increased Risk-Taking or Substance Use
Someone who is struggling may begin using more alcohol or drugs, engaging in reckless behavior, or taking risks that are unusual for them. These are kinds of behaviors that can sometimes be connected to an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotional pain or even lack of care about their personal safety.
Feeling Trapped, Hopeless, or Unable to Cope
A person may feel like their situation will never improve. They may describe feeling trapped, hopeless, helpless, or unable to see a way forward. They may also feel that their problems are too overwhelming to solve. That sense of hopelessness can be especially important to take seriously when it aligns with a significant change from how the person normally thinks or behaves.
What Should You Do If You're Worried About Someone?
You don't need to figure everything out yourself. Your first job isn't to diagnose the person or determine exactly what they're experiencing. Your job is to notice that something seems wrong and help connect them with support.
Ask Directly
If you're concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, it's okay to ask directly. You can say: “I've noticed you've been having a really difficult time lately. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
Asking directly about suicide does not put the idea into someone's head. It can instead communicate that you're willin g to have an honest conversation about something that may feel impossible for them to talk about.
Listen Without Immediately Trying to Fix It
If someone tells you they're struggling, try to listen before jumping into solutions. You don't have to make their pain disappear.
You can say:
“I'm really glad you told me.”
“That sounds incredibly difficult.”
“You don't have to handle this by yourself.”
“I'm here with you.”
Being present can matter more than having the perfect response.
Help Them Connect With Support
If someone is struggling, encourage them to connect with a trusted person or mental health professional.
You can also offer to help with the practical part. That might mean sitting with them while they make a phone call, helping them find a therapist, driving them somewhere safe, or staying with them while they reach out for support.
You don't have to become their therapist, but you can help them get connected to one.
What Should You Avoid Saying?
When someone is in emotional pain, even well-intentioned comments can sometimes make them feel more alone. Try to avoid responses that minimize what they're experiencing, such as:
“You have so much to be grateful for.”
“Other people have it worse.”
“You don't really mean that.”
“Just try to think positively.”
“You need to be strong.”
You also don't have to immediately explain why they shouldn't feel the way they do.
Instead, focus on listening, taking them seriously, and helping them connect with appropriate support.
When Is Immediate Help Needed?
If someone tells you they intend to harm themselves, has a specific plan, has access to the means to carry out that plan, or appears to be in immediate danger, treat the situation as an emergency.
Don't leave the person alone if you can safely stay with them. Help create distance from anything they could use to hurt themselves and involve immediate professional or emergency support.
If you're unsure whether a situation is an emergency, it's better to take the concern seriously rather than assume everything is fine.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis counselor.
If you're concerned about someone but the situation isn't an immediate emergency, you can still encourage them to contact a mental health professional or another trusted source of support.
You Don't Have to Know Exactly What to Say
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to check in is the fear of saying the wrong thing.
But you don't need a perfect script. You can simply say: “I've noticed you've seemed different lately, and I'm worried about you. I care about you. Can we talk?”
You may not know what to do next. That's okay: You can listen. You can ask questions. You can help someone find support. And if you're concerned about their immediate safety, you can involve professionals who are trained to handle a crisis.
Taking someone seriously is more important than saying everything perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide Warning Signs
What are the most common suicide warning signs?
Some possible suicide warning signs include talking about death or suicide, expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden, withdrawing from others, significant changes in mood or behavior, increased substance use or risk-taking, giving away possessions, or saying goodbye in an unusual way. One sign alone doesn't necessarily mean someone is suicidal, but a noticeable combination of changes should be taken seriously.
Can someone be suicidal without showing obvious warning signs?
Yes. Not everyone who is thinking about suicide will show obvious or recognizable warning signs. That's one reason regular check-ins and open conversations about mental health can be important, particularly when someone is going through a major loss, crisis, or period of significant stress.
Should I ask someone directly if they're thinking about suicide?
Yes. If you're genuinely concerned, asking directly can open an important conversation. You can ask calmly and without judgment. You don't need to interrogate the person or pressure them to talk; simply letting them know you're willing to listen can be meaningful.
What should I do if someone tells me they're thinking about suicide?
Take them seriously and stay calm. Listen without judgment and encourage them to connect with immediate support. If they have a specific plan, access to the means to carry it out, or appear to be in immediate danger, seek emergency help and do not leave them alone if you can safely remain with them.
Can therapy help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Therapy can be an important part of support for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, particularly when combined with an appropriate safety plan and other sources of care. A mental health professional can help someone understand what they're experiencing, develop coping strategies, and work toward greater stability and support.
How can ACR Counseling help if I'm worried about my mental health?
If you're struggling with hopelessness, overwhelming emotions, or thoughts of suicide, you don't have to figure everything out alone. ACR Counseling provides telehealth therapy for adolescents and adults throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. A therapist can provide a supportive space to talk about what you're experiencing and help you identify appropriate next steps.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for adults aged 18 and older and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis: Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential, 24/7 support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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