What are the signs that someone might be considering suicide?

Most (80 per cent of people or more) who attempt or complete suicide send out  signals to those around them, although they may not make a direct plea for help.  Most people thinking about suicide are also feeling fear and stigma, and as a result, may be very careful about how they share these signs with others.  That is why suicide signs are often missed. 

Some signs may include:

• Talking or joking about suicide or dying;
• Making preparations for death such as giving away significant possessions, making a will, writing a suicide note, clearing up loose ends;
• A previous suicide attempt; the suicide of someone important;
• Being persistently depressed or down for more than a couple of weeks; protracted anxiety or agitation; extreme mood swings/bipolarity; outbursts of rage, grief, violence;
• Isolation, withdrawal from previously enjoyed relationships and activities;
• Lethargy, lack of interest, low energy, insomnia or over-sleeping;
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs;
• Uncharacteristic high risk activity, impulsive behaviours
• Expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, purposelessness
• Low self-esteem, low self-worth, self-contempt, anger toward self;
• Significant loss(es), such as important relationship, health, identity, economic security, freedom.