Warning signs that a teen might be thinking about SUICIDE

Drinking alcohol or doing drugs: starting for the first time drinking/using more

Talking or joking about suicide

Saying things like: “I’d be better off dead.” “I wish I could disappear forever.” “There’s no way out.” “Nothing matters.”

Talking about death in a positive or idealized way Talking about death in a positive or idealized way . “If I died people might love me more.”

Creating stories, poems, or artwork about death, dying, or suicide.

Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents and getting hurt.

Giving away prized possessions

Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.

Seeking out or researching ways to kill themselves (with weapons, pills, nooses, etc.)