Warning Signs

Are You Or Someone You Know At Risk For Suicide?

Call 999 or seek immediate help from a mental health provider when you hear or see any of these behaviours:

• Someone threatening to hurt or kill himself/herself
• Someone looking for ways to kill himself/herself: seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means
• Someone talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide

Out of ten persons who kill themselves, eight would have given warnings of their suicidal intentions. Some examples of these warning signs are:

Verbal warnings or threats

Expressions such as "Life is too painful for me." Bidding farewell – e.g. "Take care when I'm gone." Threats such as "If you don't love me, I will kill myself." Pre-suicide planning Tidying up one's affairs Giving favourite things away Writing suicide notes, emails or blogs Checking out methods of dying Emotional or behavioural changes Intense feelings of hopelessness or helplessness Rage, anger, seeking revenge Feeling trapped – like there's no way out Unusual behavioural changes Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Increasing alcohol or drug use Withdrawing from friends, family, or society Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time Dramatic changes in mood No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life