Warning Signs

​Why do some teenagers choose to commit suicide?

We don’t know for sure, because when youth die by suicide they take the answers with them.   What we DO know is that a large number of suicidal youths share similar experiences, changes in behavior and/or thoughts.  We call these similarities “warning signs of suicide.”  A warning sign does not automatically mean a person is going to attempt suicide, but it should be taken seriously. The warning signs that we pay particular attention to are: ​

• ​Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
• Giving away possessions
• Feeling hopeless
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• Mental disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety and certain personality disorders
• History of trauma or abuse
• Some major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Relational or social loss​

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
• Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
• ​​Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life​​
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society​​

You are not alone.  
To get help for yourself or someone you know,
​call the Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).