Suicide warning signs

Suicide rarely comes with no warning signs at all, but it can be difficult to recognise them for what they are in the moment.

When someone is contemplating suicide, their words and actions can give you clues that they are at risk of hurting themselves.

A person may be at risk of attempting suicide if they:

• threaten to hurt or take their own life
• talk or write about death, dying or suicide
• actively look for ways to take their own life, such as stockpiling tablets
• start giving away or selling personal items, especially prized possessions

These behaviours don’t always mean someone is suicidal, but they can be signs that a person is struggling and needs support.

What is a suicidal crisis?

A suicidal crisis is a period when someone is experiencing intense emotional pain, hopelessness, or distress and may be thinking about ending their life. It doesn’t always look dramatic. Many people in crisis appear quiet, numb, withdrawn, or 'zoned out'.

People with lived experience often describe feeling:

• disassociated
• numb
• cut off from the everyday world
• like they’re in a bubble

A person doesn’t need to have a plan or intent for their situation to be taken seriously. If someone is struggling, distressed, or showing warning signs, it’s important to reach out.

The following can be suicide warning signs

These are some of the signs that may indicate someone is struggling or thinking about suicide.

• Talking about suicide - Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again…” and “I’d be better off dead.”
• Looking for a way to end their life - Searching for a method or seeking access to medicines/ other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
• Preoccupation with death - Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence.
• No hope for the future - Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped. Belief that things will never get better or change.
• Self-loathing, self-hatred - Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden.
• Getting affairs in order - Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members or pets to be taken care of.
• Saying goodbye - Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.
• Withdrawing from others - Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
• Self-destructive behaviour - Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks.
• Sudden sense of calm - A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has potentially made the decision to attempt suicide.

Many of these behaviours can have ordinary explanations on their own. They become more concerning when they are unusual for the person, happen suddenly, or appear alongside other signs of distress.

Distress isn’t always obvious

Some people in crisis don’t show dramatic or visible signs. Trust your instincts if something feels “not quite right.” Subtle cues can include:

• unusual posture or body language
• appearing emotionally absent or vacant
• being in a place or situation that seems unsafe or out of context
• a gut feeling that something isn’t right

If you notice someone in distress in a public place

You don’t need to be a professional to help. If you feel safe, a simple conversation can interrupt a crisis. If you’re unsure what to do, you can contact emergency services or a mental health helpline for guidance.

What you can do if you've noticed warning signs

If you notice any of the warning signs in someone, encourage them to talk about how they are feeling.

Asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts can feel extremely difficult. But if you’re unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask. 

You might be worried that you will ‘put the idea of suicide into the person’s head’ if you ask about suicide but you can’t make a person suicidal by showing your concern. You can say “I’m worried about you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately” or you can say “I’ve noticed that you haven’t seemed yourself lately, is everything ok?”

Just by talking about suicide, we can help break down the stigma that can act as a barrier to getting help.

You don’t need perfect words. Listening with compassion is what matters most.

Learn how to recognise and respond to suicide risk

Our free Suicide Awareness Training courses can help you feel more confident supporting someone who may be struggling.