The following behaviors may give early indication that a person is contemplating suicide.

Seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.

Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.

Feeling hopeless.

Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities-seemingly without thinking.

Feeling trapped-like there's no way out.

Increasing alcohol or drug use.

Withdrawing from friends, family, and society.

Feeling anxious or agitated, being unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time.

Experiencing dramatic mood changes.

Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

Previous suicide attempts - so-called "mini-attempts."

Explicit statements of suicidal ideation or feelings.

Development of suicidal plan, acquiring the means, "rehearsal" behavior, setting a time for the attempt.

Self-inflicted injuries, such as cuts, burns, or head banging.

Making out a will or giving away favorite possessions.

Inappropriately saying goodbye.

Change in eating and sleeping habits.

Withdrawal from friends, and family and regular activities.

Violent actions, rebellious behavior, and running away.

Drug or alcohol abuse.

Unusual neglect of personal appearance.

Marked personality change.

Persistant boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork.

Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often relating to emotions, such as stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, etc...

Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

Not tolerating praise or rewards.

Requests for euthanasia information, inappropriate joking, reading or writing stories or essays on morbid themes.

Sometimes there are clues in verbal behaviors - especially those behaviors which seem ambiguous or indirect.

"I'm going away on a real long trip."

"You won't have to worry about me anymore."

"I want to go to sleep and never wake up."

"I'm so depressed, I just can't go on."

"Does God punish suicides?"

"Voices are telling me to do bad things."

A teen who is contemplating suicide may exhibit special behaviors.

Complain of being "rotten inside."

Give verbal hints with statements such as: "I won't be a problem for you much longer" "nothing matters" "it's no use" or "I won't see you again."

Put his or her affairs in order--for example, give away personal possesions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings etc...

Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.

If you recognize any of these behaviors or symptoms - in yourself or in someone else - it might be time to contact a mental health professional, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

This Warning Signs list is compiled from information gathered from a number of organizations and sources, including (but not limited to): WHO, SAMHSA, CDC, Office of the Surgeon General (United States), and the United States Deptartment of Health and Human Services.