Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide: Knowing When to Reach Out

Suicide prevention begins with awareness. Recognizing that someone may be struggling—and being willing to reach out—can make an important difference.

Suicidal thoughts can occur alongside depression, substance use problems, other mental health conditions, overwhelming stress, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, financial pressures, or feelings of isolation and hopelessness. There is no single cause and no single warning sign that applies to everyone.

What matters is noticing significant changes in a person’s words, behavior, mood, or daily life and taking those changes seriously.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Someone experiencing a suicidal crisis may begin behaving differently from the person you normally know. Warning signs can include:

• Withdrawing from family, friends, work, school, or community activities
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
• Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
• Neglecting personal appearance or everyday responsibilities
• Engaging in unusually reckless or dangerous behavior
• Having difficulty concentrating or functioning normally
• Frequently talking, writing, or thinking about death
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, worthlessness, or being a burden to others
• Complaining more frequently of headaches, stomach problems, exhaustion, or other physical symptoms associated with emotional distress
• Showing little reaction to encouragement, accomplishments, or praise

One sign by itself does not necessarily mean someone is suicidal. However, a combination of warning signs—particularly when they represent a noticeable change in behavior—should not be ignored.

Signs That May Indicate Immediate Danger

Some behaviors require especially urgent attention. A person may begin giving away treasured possessions, putting personal affairs in order, saying goodbye to people, writing farewell messages, or talking about not being around in the future.

Statements such as “I want to die,” “Everyone would be better off without me,” “I won’t be a problem much longer,” or other comments about ending one’s life should always be taken seriously.

A sudden and unexpected improvement in mood after a period of severe depression can also warrant attention, particularly when it occurs alongside other warning signs.

If someone talks about suicide, has developed a plan, or appears to be in immediate danger, treat the situation as an emergency.

What Should You Do?

You do not have to be a mental health professional to reach out to someone who is struggling.

Ask how they are doing. Listen carefully and without judgment. Let them know that you care about them and that they do not have to face the situation alone.

It is also appropriate to ask directly whether they are thinking about suicide. A compassionate, straightforward conversation can help someone talk openly about what they are experiencing.

If you believe someone may be at immediate risk:

• Stay with them rather than leaving them alone.
• Take any statements about suicide seriously.
• Listen without arguing, criticizing, or minimizing what they are feeling.
• Help connect them with professional support.
• Involve trusted family members, friends, or other appropriate support when necessary.
• Reduce access to firearms, medications, or other potentially lethal means when it can be done safely.
• If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts or plans secret. Protecting someone’s life takes priority.

Call or Text 988

In the United States, anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or concern about someone they care about can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is free and confidential.

You don’t have to wait until a situation becomes an emergency to reach out.

A Conversation Can Matter

Sometimes the most meaningful first step is simply noticing that someone is struggling and asking:

“Are you okay?”

“Do you want to talk?”

“How can I help?”

Mental health struggles are often invisible. Checking in, listening without judgment, and helping someone connect with support can make a meaningful difference.

During National Suicide Prevention Month—and throughout the year—let’s work to create communities where people feel comfortable asking for help and where no one feels they have to struggle alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Help is available 24/7.