Warning Signs of Suicide

• Download PDF
• En español

The behaviors listed below may be some of the signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

Talking about:

• Wanting to die
• Great guilt or shame
• Being a burden to others

Feeling:

• Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain

Changing behavior, such as:

• Making a plan or researching ways to die
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
• Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Eating or sleeping more or less
• Using drugs or alcohol more often

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line 
Text “HELLO” to 741741

www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
NIMH Identifier No. OM 22-4316
Revised 2022

Share the Infographic on Social Media

Warning Signs of Suicide

Disponible en español

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Learn about behaviors that may be a sign that someone is thinking about suicide. For more information, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVCyZ  #shareNIMH

Copy post to clipboard

Find more resources to share on social media.

Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy the images in the publication. If you do use our materials, we request that you cite the National Institute of Mental Health. To learn more about using NIMH publications, refer to NIMH’s reprint guidelines.