Recognising suicide warning signs

Suicide warning signs to look out for

Someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts may show some clues, also known as suicidal warning signs, to those around them. Suicide prevention starts with recognising these warning signs and treating them seriously.

The following is a list of signs someone might show when feeling distressed and overwhelmed. These physical changes and behaviours are indicators that a person might be thinking about suicide. A person who is feeling suicidal will likely display a combination of these signs rather than one single sign. It’s important to note that suicide warning signs vary, and not every person will react in the same way.

If you need to speak to a SuicideLine Victoria counsellor, please call 1300 651 251. If it is an emergency, call 000.

Suicide warning signs – Physical changes

• Changes to sleeping patterns – too much or too little
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in personal hygiene or appearance
• Changes in eating habits – either loss of appetite or increase in appetite
• Weight gain or loss.

Suicide warning signs – Conversational signs

• No future – “What’s the point? I have nothing to live for.”
• Guilt – “It’s all my fault, I’m to blame.”
• Escape – “I can’t take this anymore. I’ve had enough.”
• Loneliness – “I’m on my own…nobody cares about me.”
• Helpless – “Nothing I do makes a bit of difference; it’s beyond my control.”
• Distress – “I just want the pain to stop.”
• Feeling like a burden – “They will be better off without me.”
• Talks about suicide or dying.

Suicide warning signs – Behaviours

• Taking unnecessary risks
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Loses interest in activities that were previously important
• Unexplained crying
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling agitated or irritated
• Emotional outbursts or extreme mood swings
• Previous suicide attempt
• Putting affairs in order (giving away possessions, especially those that have special significance for the person)
• Writing a suicide note or goodbye letters to people.

Suicide warning signs – Feelings

• Sadness
• Anger
• Shame
• Desperation
• Disconnection
• Hopelessness
• Worthlessness
• Powerlessness
• Feeling trapped
• Feeling distressed after a significant loss
• Feeling like a burden
• Loneliness.

Responding to suicide warning signs

Speak up if you are worried

Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings is important as you can help the person get the support they need.

You may be worried that asking about suicide might put the idea in their head. You can’t make a person feel suicidal by showing your concern. In fact, by talking to them, you can reduce their feelings of isolation, reduce the stigma, and provide some relief.

Find a quiet place to have the conversation and tell them about some of the things you have noticed and why you are worried about them. Below are some tips:

How to start a conversation about suicide

• “I am worried about you because you haven’t seemed like yourself lately.”
• “I have noticed that you have been doing (state behaviour), is everything okay?”
• “Are you thinking about suicide?”
• “Some people who (state what you have noticed) might start thinking of suicide. Is this happening for you?”

Questions you can ask

• “What can I do to help you?”
• “What supports have you called on so far?”

What you can say that helps

• “I want to support you, and I am here for you when you want to talk.”
• “I care about you. You are not alone.”
• “I want to help you get through this.”

You can read more in our resource on How to talk to someone who may be suicidal.

You can also ask the person if they want support in developing a safety plan, which can help someone when they are feeling distressed.

Assess the risk

Listen to what the person has to say and take the situation seriously. If the person tells you that they are thinking about suicide, you can ask further questions to evaluate the risk. People who are at the highest risk in the immediate future have the intention to end their life, a specific plan, the means to carry out the plan and a timeframe.

You can go through the following risk assessment questions with the person. If they are at high risk of suicide, seek immediate help by calling 000 or take the person to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

• Do you intend to take your life? (Intention)
• Do you have a plan to take your life? (Plan)
• Do you have access to the means to carry the plan out? (Means)
• Do you have a timeframe for taking your life? (Timeframe)

Know where to go for support

There are professional mental health providers who can offer support. Visit our professional support page for more information. You can also access your local community health services, emergency services, and hospitals. Keep a list of contact details and times when the services are available.

Our SuicideLine Victoria counsellors are here to help you, call us on 1300 651 251.

You can also contact:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• 13YARN 13 92 76
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
• Medicare Mental Health can connect people to mental health services in their area.

If it is an emergency, dial 000 and tell the operator that you are with someone who is suicidal. Try to keep calm and, if possible, stay with the person.

Our SuicideLine Victoria professional counsellors are available 24/7 on 1300 651 251, and the service is free. You can also click the chat button on the right to access online counselling.

If it is an emergency, call 000.