Warning Signs
Warning signs are those behaviors or statements that indicate that an individual is at imminent risk for suicide or suicidal behaviors. More often that not, those individuals who are contemplating suicide will give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Hence, all suicide threats, gestures, and attempts must be taken seriously.
Should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following, get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting a mental health professional, calling your college’s emergency number, or calling 1-800-273-8255(TALK), the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, for a referral:
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking or wanting to hurt or kill him/herself
- Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- Expressing no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
- Take the individual to an emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic
- Do not leave the person alone until professional help is with him/her
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
Help is often available on or around campuses through the following resources:
- Student counseling center
- Student health service
- Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty
- Campus religious or spiritual leader
- Community mental health center
- Local crisis center or hotlines
Other resources for information about suicide include:
American Association of Suicidology
Leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those impacted by suicide.
888-333-2377
American Psychological Association
APA's Help Center is your online resource for brochures, tips and articles on the psychological issues that affect your physical and emotional well-being, as well as information about referrals.
800-374-2721
The Jed Foundation
Works nationally to reduce the rate of suicide and the prevalence of emotional distress among college and university students.
Mental Health America
Dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.
800-989-6642
National Institute of Mental Health
News, overview, clinical trials, research, treatment, organizations on suicide provided by National Institute of Mental Health.
800-421-4211
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.
800-273-8255(TALK)
The Trevor Project
A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth.
1- 866-488-7386 (4-U-TREVOR)
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If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, we strongly encourage you to do one or more of the following:
- Contact a mental health provider on your campus or in your community
- Call 1-800-273-8255(TALK), the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, for a referral
- Call your college’s emergency number
- Call 911
TAKING ACTION SAVES LIVES
