Warning Signs Associated with Imminent Risk

Buy this book »

• Isolating from and avoiding others and/or withdrawal from activities that they were previously involved in
• Deterioration in work or school performance, or deterioration in activities of daily living
• Reading books on methods for conunitting suicide and/or obtaining materials (e.g., gun, poison, rope, pills) that could be used for suicide
• Increased use of drugs/alcohol, gambling, food, sex, etc., as if they are desperately trying to lose themselves in these activities
• Direct or oblique references to when they will be dead, including joking about their dying
• Preoccupation with the negativity and tragedy in the world
• Self-demeaning statements (e.g., "I am no good," "I'd be better off dead")
• Openly expressing hopelessness about their situation and their future
• Preoccupation with death in talk, writing, or other activities (e.g., movies and books)
• Making final arrangements, preparing a will, making amends, giving away prized possessions
• Increased hostility, negativity, or defensiveness toward others
• Disinterest or avoidance of making future plans, neglecting responsibilities
• Discussing one's life as if it were over
• Inexplicable sudden attitude change from one of sadness or negativity to one of calmness and certainty

Source: Drab, K.J. (2001). Ending the pain. Workshop presentation. p. 10.