Suicidal thoughts don’t just form out of nowhere, but family and friends may not notice a loved one is suicidal until later. Those who have thoughts of suicide may exhibit signs before openly talking about taking their own life, which can help you provide help or resources before it is too late. Watching for the warning signs of suicide can help a person feel seen, help them find support, and keep them from making an irreversible decision.
If you or someone you love is experiencing these signs or thinking about suicide, call the suicide prevention and crisis lifeline at 988.
Expressing Hopelessness About The Future
One of the first signs of depression or suicide is typically hopelessness or worry about the future. When someone starts to express worry or hopelessness about the future, this could be a sign of spiralling thoughts, which could lead to suicidal thoughts. Thinking their life is over after getting laid off, after a breakup, loss of a loved one, or once they complete a major life stage is something loved ones should look out for. While they may not come right out and say it, making comments about being unsure, depressed, or wondering how they could keep on living are indicators.
Mood Swings
Another beginning sign of depression and suicidal thoughts is frequent mood swings, irritability, or random outbursts. Mood swings may not be immediate either; one day can be a very happy and calm day, while the next is filled with rage or extreme fatigue. Mood swings can vary from person to person, so a loved one will know best if someone is not acting like their usual self.
Withdrawal From Activities Or Social Groups
It is common for those struggling with their mental health to withdraw from friends, family, or social obligations. Avoiding get-togethers or standing group events could be a sign that someone is considering suicide. While not all people who experience depression or suicidal thoughts will withdraw from loved ones, this is still an important sign to look for. If you notice other signs on this list, but someone is still going out with friends, talking to them about suicidal thoughts, or if they need additional support, is still a good idea.
Changes In Sleep Patterns
Mental illness can often affect your sleep patterns, causing extreme fatigue or insomnia. More frequent sleep or sleeping at odd times of the day is not always cause for concern, but when it happens frequently or is not their norm, it could be a sign of severe depression. Quality sleep is important to our overall health, so when our routine or schedule is thrown off, it can make it more difficult to feel well. Energy levels, focus, and digestive health can all be impacted by sleep. If other mental health symptoms are worsening, try encouraging better sleep patterns.
Talking About Being A Burden
Feeling like a burden to others or not wanting to ask for help is another sign of suicide. When someone frequently brings up thoughts of being too much, feeling like a burden on others, or saying everyone would be better off without them, you should take action immediately. Someone speaking these thoughts is not just trying to get attention; they may be severely struggling with their mental health and be looking for support in a roundabout way.
Making Comments Or Openly Talking About Suicide
One of the most obvious signs of suicidal thoughts is openly talking about taking their life, or not wanting to be around anymore. Even if it is sprinkled into normal conversation or made as a joke, these should be taken seriously. Reporting these comments to a school counselor, HR, or talking to the person face-to-face about these comments is necessary to stop them from taking that drastic step. Someone who makes consistent comments about suicide has often considered it or is exploring ideas.
Does Talking To Someone About Suicidal Thoughts Make It Worse?
No, in fact, openly talking about it may help them rather than hurt. If someone is working to understand mental health struggles or is constantly checking in, this can help people feel less alone. Talking about mental health, suicidal thoughts, or normal struggles can help release stress and move towards a healthier outlook on life. Being a shoulder someone can lean on is more helpful than people may realize, but if you feel overwhelmed about talking to someone about suicide, seek insight and help from a professional or adult as well.
Mental Health Resources From Red Willow
Our therapists at Red Willow are here to help those who are feeling hopeless, lonely, or depressed. Our team works with a variety of mental health issues, typical life stressors, or drastic life changes, all of which can cause stress or lead to suicidal thoughts. Red Willow Counseling and Recovery uses evidence-based techniques and controlled environments to help people heal and manage their symptoms.
We specialize in addiction recovery, EMDR therapy, anxiety, OCD, depression, unresolved grief, unresolved abuse, and more. If you are looking for a better way to heal and want to move through life with confidence, contact our team at our Salt Lake, Park City, or Murray locations.
