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
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society​​

• 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​

Are the suicide rates different for males and females?

Across the country, males are much more likely to die by suicide, while girls are more likely to make suicide attempts that result in hospitalization. Hanging and use of a firearm are the most frequently used methods for youth suicide. Cutting and overdose are the most frequency used methods for suicide attempts that result in hospitalization.

• ​Does not respond to positive comments and praise like before.
• Is frequently bored, apathetic.
• Talks about death, sometimes even jokes about death. Makes comments like "people will be better off without me".
• Writes (posts online) about darkness, hopelessness, death and/or suicide.  
• Giving away prized possessions to siblings or friends.​

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• Throwing away prized possessions.
• Suddenly saying "i love you" or shows an unlikely display of affection towards siblings, parents, or friends. Sometimes talks like he/she won't be around anymore -- "In case something happens to me, I want you to know that..."
• Shows extreme cheerfulness after bouts of depression. (Suicidal Euphoria)

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