Suicide is not a mental illness but a serious potential consequence of treatable mental disorders that include major depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa.
Suicide Warning Signs
Any of these could be potential warning signs for suicide:
Severe sadness or moodiness. Long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage.
Hopelessness. Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness about the future, with little expectation that circumstances can improve.
Sleep problems.
Sudden calmness. Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end their life.
Withdrawal. Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression, a leading cause of suicide. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
Changes in personality or appearance. A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behaviour, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about their personal appearance.
Dangerous or self-harmful behaviour. Potentially dangerous behaviour, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs or alcohol, might indicate that the person no longer values their life.
Recent trauma or life crisis. A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, the end of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
Making preparations. Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put their personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up their room or home. Some people will write a note before taking their own life. Some will buy a firearm or other means like poison.
Threatening or talking about suicide. From 50% to 75% of those considering suicide will give someone -- a friend or relative -- a warning sign. It may not be an outright threat. They may talk an unusual amount about death or say things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here.” However, not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.
Who Is Most Likely to Commit Suicide?
Suicide rates are highest in teens, young adults, and the elderly. White men over the age of 65 have the highest rate of suicide. Suicide risk also is higher in:
Older people who have lost a spouse through death or divorce
People who have attempted suicide in the past
People with a family history of suicide
People with a friend or co-worker who have killed themselves
People with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
People who are unmarried, unskilled, or unemployed
People with long-term pain or a disabling or terminal illness
People who are prone to violent or impulsive behavior
People who have recently been released from a psychiatric hospitalization (This often is a very frightening period of transition.)
People in certain professions, such as police officers and health care providers who work with terminally ill patients
People with substance abuse problems
Although women are three times as likely to attempt suicide, men are far more likely to complete the act.
Can Suicide Be Prevented?
Suicide can't be prevented with certainty, but risks can often be reduced with timely intervention. Research suggests that the best way to prevent suicide is to know the risk factors, be alert to the signs of depression and other mental disorders, recognize the warning signs for suicide, and intervene before the person can complete the process of self-destruction.
What Should I Do if I Think Someone is Suicidal?
People who receive support from caring friends and family and who have access to mental health services are less likely to act on their suicidal impulses than are those who are socially isolated. If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs for suicide:
Don't be afraid to ask if they are depressed or thinking about suicide.
Ask if they are seeing a therapist or taking medication.
Rather than trying to talk the person out of suicide, let them know that depression is temporary and treatable.
In some cases, the person just needs to know that someone cares and is looking for the chance to talk about their feelings. You can then encourage the person to seek professional help.
What Should I Do if I See the Warning Signs of Suicide?
If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger of killing themselves:
Do not leave the person alone. If possible, ask for help from friends or other family members.
Ask the person to give you any weapons they might have. Take away or remove sharp objects or anything else that the person could use to hurt themselves.
If the person is already in psychiatric treatment, help them to contact the doctor or therapist for guidance and help.
Try to keep the person as calm as possible.
Call the Police &/Or Emergency Services
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Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on March 17, 2022
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
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