Phase II: Suicide Warning Signs Photo by AbbyD11 on Flickr

Suicide Warning Signs To help HOPE Squad members recognize and understand the warning signs of suicide Copyright © Huds LLC

Understand that most students considering suicide give warning signs or signals of their intentions. Understand how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Understand the importance of responding quickly and referring a suicidal student to an adult. Copyright © Huds LLC Objectives

Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to be familiar with the warning signs and know how to respond. If you believe a fellow student is suicidal, you can promote suicide prevention by asking about suicide, showing that you care, and telling an adult. Copyright © Huds LLC

Major warning signs for suicide include: Talking about killing or harming oneself Talking or writing a lot about death or dying Seeking out items that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs Copyright © Huds LLC

These signals are even more dangerous if the person has: A mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder Suffers from alcohol dependence Previously attempted suicide Has a family history of suicide Copyright © Huds LLC

A more subtle but equally dangerous warning sign of suicide is hopelessness. Studies have found that hopelessness is a strong predictor of suicide. People who feel hopeless may talk about "unbearable" feelings, predict a bleak future, and state that they have nothing to look forward to. Copyright © Huds LLC

Other warning signs that point to a suicidal mind frame include: Dramatic mood swings – personality changes Being outgoing to withdrawn or well-behaved to rebellious May also lose interest in day-to-day activities Neglect his or her appearance Show big changes in eating or sleeping habits Copyright © Huds LLC

Change in eating and sleeping habits Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities Violent or rebellious behavior, running away Drug and alcohol use Unusual neglect of personal appearance Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Copyright © Huds LLC

Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc. Not tolerating praise or rewards Reading, writing about suicide Giving away articles of either personal or monetary value Obtaining a weapon or writing a suicide note Copyright © Huds LLC

Many adolescent suicides occur in the context of a stressful life event, such as a loss, a disciplinary action or romantic breakup. While these stressors are experienced by most teens, they may be the final straw for teens at risk for suicide.

Depressed or sad mood (feeling “blue” or “down in the dumps”) A change in the person’s sleeping patterns (sleeping too much or too little) A significant change in the person’s weight or appetite Speaking and/or moving with unusual speed or slowness Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities (hobbies, outdoor activities, hanging around with friends) Copyright © Huds LLC Common Signs of Depression

Withdrawal from family and friends Fatigue or loss of energy Diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or guilt Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead Copyright © Huds LLC Common Signs of Depression cont.

Take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide – it's a cry for help. Copyright © Huds LLC

Discussion & Questions Copyright © Huds LLC