Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

THE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

February 13th, 2014

Potentially suicidal young people frequently show warning signs. What follows is a list of some of the thoughts, feelings, and actions that could indicate that a young person is contemplating suicide. They range from internal, unexpressed thoughts, like wanting to die, to overt actions, like writing a note or collecting drugs or weapons.

  • Thoughts of death
  • Wanting to die
  • Prior suicide attempts/gestures
  • Feeling that the world would be better off if they were dead
  • Feeling useless and hopeless
  • Giving verbal hints about not being able to take it anymore
  • Writing about death
  • Getting absorbed in music, video sites, or activities stressing death or suicide
  • Talking of the afterlife
  • Dressing in black
  • Becoming absorbed in morbid subjects
  • Having an inappropriate burst of enthusiasm or cheerfulness after being depressed (this sometimes indicates that a person has decided to commit suicide)
  • Cleaning house and putting his/her things in order
  • Writing a suicide note
  • Buying books or researching modes of suicide
  • Idealizing celebrities who have committed suicide or died in other ways
  • Engaging in drunken driving
  • Accumulating weapons

If you see any of these signs you should be immediately concerned and contact a medical health professional right away.  In my next blog I will discuss having an open conversation with your sad/depressed child if you suspect that he or she might be contemplating suicide, but is not showing any clear signs like those listed above.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.