Prevention Basics WARNING SIGNS
IS RISK PRESENT?1
Suicide risk could be imminent if you witness, hear, or see anyone
exhibiting one or more of the following:
Threatening to hurt or kill himself or herself, or talking of wanting to
hurt or kill himself or herself.
Looking for ways to kill himself or herself by seeking access to
firearms, available pills, or other means for attempting suicide.
Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide, especially when these
actions are out of the ordinary for the person. You should also seek help as soon as possible if you witness, hear, or
see someone you are familiar with exhibiting any one or more of the
following:
Hopelessness
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Feeling trapped ... like there's no way out
Increased alcohol or drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family and society
Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
Dramatic mood changes
No reason for living; no sense or purpose in life
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GET HELP NOW
If someone is at risk, get the facts and take appropriate action immediately:
Contact a mental health professional directly.
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline--1-800-273-8255-- for a referral.
Do not leave a person at risk alone.
Act now to save a life. Top of Page
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, FEELINGS
A person thinking about suicide sometimes perceives his or her dilemma as inescapable and feels an utter loss of control. He or she may express feelings and thoughts such as:
I can't stop the pain.
I can't see any way out.
I can't make the sadness go away.
I can't seem to get control.
I can't think clearly.
I can't sleep, eat or work.
I can't see a future without pain.
I can't make decisions.
I can't get someone's attention.
I can't get out of depression.
I can't see themselves as worthwhile.
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HELPFUL CHECKLIST
IS PATH WARM?
I = Ideation ... threatened or communicated
S = Substance Abuse ... excessive or increased
P = Purposelessness ... no reason to live
A = Anxiety ... agitation, worry, insomnia
T = Trapped ... no way out, no options
H = Hopelessness ... no end to psychological pain
W = Withdrawal ... from family, friends, society,
A = Anger ... uncontrollable anger--or rage, revenge seeking
R = Recklessness ... taking risks, not thinking clearly
M = Mood Changes ... depression, extreme mood swings
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American Association of Suicidology.
