SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS
People who are depressed and suicidal nearly always give signals that they are in danger of harming themselves. Some of the warning signs of an individual who is at risk are:

· Change in Personality - Sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic

· Change in Behavior - Can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks

· Change in Sleeping Patterns - Oversleeping or insomnia, sometimes with early awakening

· Change in Eating Habits - Loss of appetite and weight or overeating

· Loss of Interest - In friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed

· Worry about Money or Illness - Either real or imagined

· Fear of Losing Control - Fear of going crazy, harming self or others

· Feeling helpless, worthless - "Nobody cares, everyone would be better off without me"

· Feelings of Overwhelming Guilt, Shame or Self-Hatred

· Feeling hopeless - "It will never get better, I will always feel this way"

· Drug or Alcohol Abuse

· Recent Loss - Death, divorce, loss of job, self-confidence, self-esteem

· Loss of Religious Faith

· Agitation, Hyperactivity, Restlessness

· Suicidal Impulses, Statements - Plans to harm self, giving away favorite things

More than one of these signs means that a person may be at particular risk and needs immediate attention. We have included more information on what to do for someone at risk. Adolescents, lesbian and gay youth and the elderly are particularly at risk for suicide.