What are warning signs for suicide?
Key warning signs include:
- making a suicide attempt
- preparing for a suicide attempt—for example, collecting medications, trying to get access to a gun, researching ways to end their life or trying to buy tools to use in suicide
- talking about suicide—saying things like, “I’m going to kill myself” or “People will be better off without me”
- writing suicide notes, saying goodbye, giving away belongings or getting their affairs in order
- showing big changes in their personality, routines, thinking or energy level—for example, not sleeping, pacing excessively, hearing voices or experiencing paranoia.
- taking part in risky, violent or self-destructive behaviour.
The American Association of Suicidology has developed a simple tool to help you remember warning signs for suicide. The tool is called “IS PATH WARM.”
I Ideation (suicidal thoughts)
S Substance abuse
P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness/helplessness
W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood changes