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Warning Signs

Sometimes people who who are thinking of taking their life give clues known as suicide warning signs. Warning signs are indicators that someone is experiencing distress. If someone you know is showing one or more of the following behaviors consider asking the question "Are you thinking of suicide"?  

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Talking or Posting on Social Media about:​

  • Killing themselves

  • Pain

  • Not wanting to be a burden

  • Feeling hopeless or trapped

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Displaying:

  • Irritability

  • Depression

  • Anxiousness

  • Shame/Embarrassment/Humiliation

  • Anger

  • Sudden Relief or Happiness 

  • Increased Drug or Alcohol Use

  • Withdrawing from Family, Friends, Social Events, Work

  • Sleeping too little

  • Sleeping too much

  • Saying Goodbye

  • Giving Away Possessions

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Risk Factors

Risk Factors are conditions which increase the risk that a person may attempt to take their life.  Some risk factors include:

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  • Mental Health Conditions - Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, 

  • Substance Use 

  • Recent Injury

  • Serious Health Concerns/Conditions

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Access to Lethal Means - Firearms, Drugs

  • Life stressors - Divorce, Financial Crisis, Bullying, Unemployment, Harassment, Assaults, Domestic Violence, Inter-personal Violence, Relationship Troubles

  • Life Transitions - Retirement, losing a job

  • Previous Suicide Attempts

  • Childhood Abuse, Neglect or Trauma

  • Family History of Suicide

  • Exposure to Someone Else's Suicide

If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are in a crisis please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741

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