Suicide Education & Support Services

Research shows that the great majority of those who attempt suicide give some warning signs, verbal or behavioral. These warning signs are often given during the week preceding an attempt.  By recognizing these warning signs and offering hope, suicide can be prevented.

Warning Signs

• Serious Depression
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Change in sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Increasingly isolated
• Fatigue and decrease in energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Saying they want to die
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Giving away prized possessions
• Preoccupation with death and dying
• Sudden drop in school or work performance

A word about Alcohol

Alcohol makes depression worse, impairs thinking and judgment and increases impulsivness. Many people who are not sure they want to die drink to get drunk to dull the pain but because of the added depression and despair they are at even more risk of attempting suicide.

Risk Factors

• Family history of suicide
• Attempted suicide in the past
• Death of a family member or friend
• Loss of a job
• Financial problems