Not everyone who is contemplating suicide lets their friends or family know how they are feeling, but there are some signs and situations to look out for.
Notice the signs
- complaining of feeling hopeless
- talking about feeling trapped
- self-harming
- misusing drugs or alcohol more than usual
- withdrawing from friends and family
- anxiety
- trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- sudden lift in mood after being depressed
- losing interest in most things, including own appearance
- a pattern of sudden rage
- risky behaviour with little concern about the consequences
- sorting out possessions or making a will
Situations
Some situations can increase the risk of suicide, these include:
- drug and alcohol misuse
- history of trauma or abuse
- unemployment
- social isolation
- poverty
- poor social conditions
- imprisonment
- violence
- family breakdown
