Learn The Signs
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Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 or the emergency service number of your country if you see or hear the following:
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Someone threatening to hurt or kill themselves or talking of wanting to die.
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Someone looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to weapons or other lethal items (this can be online searches or physically looking for something in the moment of despair).
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Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Contact a mental health professional or hotline if you hear or see someone exhibiting one or more of these behaviors:
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Hopelessness
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Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
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Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
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Feeling trapped, like there’s no way out
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Increased alcohol or drug use
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Withdrawing from friends, family & society
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Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
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Dramatic mood changes
Suicide Helpline Information
In the US, Lifeline is available 24/7. Use this list of helpline resources if you or someone you know is suicidal.
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Lifeline (USA): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) suicidepreventionlifeline.org (Military Vets press 1, Spanish speakers press 2)
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Trevor Project-LGBT Youth (USA): 1-866-4-U-Trevor
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Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14 (lifeline.org.au)
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24/7 Samaritans Hotline(UK): 116 123 samaritans.org
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Befrienders Worldwide-Search for helplines worldwide: befrienders.org
This list of Warning Signs for Suicide was developed by an expert review and consensus process informed by a review of relevant research and literature. Additional information about the warning signs can be found in the following published article: Rudd, M. D., Berman, A. L., Joiner, T. E., Jr., Nock, M. K., Silverman, M. M., Mandrusiak, M., et al. (2006). Warning signs for suicide: Theory, research, and clinical applications. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 36(3), 255-262.
Instructions: Take a few minutes to learn the warning signs of suicide. Once you've finished, click the "Completed" button at the bottom of the page.
