Suicide Warning Signs (provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible by calling the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
Social Media Connections
You may encounter someone who is expressing thoughts of suicide on your social media sites. They may be:
- Writing about wanting to die or kill themselves.
- Writing about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Writing about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Writing about being a burden to others.
- Writing about seeking revenge.
If you see these warning signs, encourage your friend to call Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) immediately OR you can report your concerns using social media tools. Fill in the appropriate information and your friend will receive an immediate message directly from the organization.
- Facebook's Safety Team will send the user an email with the Lifeline number and possibly a link to live chat with a Lifeline counselor.
- Tumblr provides counseling links.
- Click on the flag under the video and select "Harmful Dangerous Acts" and then "Suicide or Self-Injury." You Tube will review the video and may send a message to the user that uploaded the video.
- This Twitter link provides resources on dealing with self-harm and suicide.
- Click on the "Report Abuse" link found at the bottom of every MySpace page and complete the form.
Additional Phone Numbers to Call
- Genesee Health Systems: 810-257-3740
- National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- LGBTQ Youth Suicide Hotline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)
- Crisis Counseling for Homeless and At-Risk Kids: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
- Kristen Brooks Hope Center: 1-800-442-HOPE (1-800-442-4673)
- Boys Town: 1-800-448-3000
Additional Resources
