Studies suggest that the majority of people who die by suicide give warning signs beforehand, but the signs are not always obvious.
We all – as parents, friends, family and community members – need to be looking for the warning signs of suicide because they can present an opportunity to save a life. Here’s what to look for:
Warning Signs of Suicide:
- Visiting, calling or texting people to say goodbye.
- Looking for ways to die, such as researching methods on the internet or gathering guns, ropes, pills or knives.
- Making direct or indirect statements about death, suicide, or suicide ideation/plan.
- Preoccupation with death or dying.
- Sudden and extreme changes in mood or behaviors (e.g. changes in routine, behavior, appearance, or grooming habits).
- Increased substance abuse.
- Reckless, self-destructive and/or high-risk behaviors.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Not tolerating praise or rewards.
- Frequent complains about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue.
- Signs of severe depression or any of the following:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood.
- Sleeping/appetite changes or significant changes in weight.
- Irritability or agitation.
- Rage or uncontrolled anger.
- Withdrawal or isolation.
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities.
- Unusual or persistent tiredness or loss of energy.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- Expression of any of these thoughts or feelings:
- Trapped or desperate to escape an intolerable situation.
- Humiliation.
- Being a burden to others.
- Worthlessness.
- Hopelessness.
- Purposelessness or having no reason to live.
Please take any of the above warnings signs seriously. If you are concerned, ask your child directly about suicide. You are not going to give him an idea that he didn’t already have. Talk to your teen about it in a non-threatening way. Be sure to tell her that you love her and that you are committed to helping her through what may be a very difficult time. For additional ideas, please visit our Adapting for Life website.
I think it’s important to note that while suicide in teens happens more frequently than it does in younger children, it can still happen. Young children are capable of having suicidal thoughts and can act upon them. If you notice that your child is exhibiting some of the above warning signs, please get help.
Ways you can help:
- Please take your teen to see a doctor or call a crisis line volunteer at 1-800-273-TALK. If he refuses help, saying things like, “”I love you and I don’t want to lose you,” or “Please do this for me,” or “ A professional will be able to help us work this out,” may persuade him to seek help with you.
- Call an Ohio County Crisis number:
o Hamilton County: (513) 281- CARE (2273)
o Clermont County: (513) 528-SAVE (7283)
o Butler County: 1-844-4CRISIS
o Hamilton/West Chester: 513-894-7002
o Middletown: 513-424-5498
o Oxford/Hamilton: 513-523-4146
o Warren/Clinton Counties: 1-877-695-NEED (6333) - If you believe your teen is in immediate danger or is feeling like she may hurt herself, then take her to the nearest emergency room.
- We recommend you also call our Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC) at 513-636-4124 prior to taking your child to the emergency room at Cincinnati Children’s. Our staff can help identify imminent risk and direct you to the mental health services that best meet your child’s needs.
