Warning Signs & Risk Factors

The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance misuse, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation.

Suicide Warning Signs for Adults:

Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

  • Talking about or making plans for suicide.

  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

  • Talking about being a burden to others.

  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.

  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

  • Sleeping too little or too much.

  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated.

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

  • Displaying extreme mood swings.

Suicide Warning Signs for Youth

It's time to take action if you notice these signs in family or friends:

  • Talking about or making plans for suicide.

  • Expressing hopelessness about the future.

  • Displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress.

  • Showing worrisome changes in behavior, particularly in combination with the warning signs above, including significant:

    • Withdrawal from or changing social connections/situations.

    • Changes in sleep (increased or decreased).

    • Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context.

    • Recent increased agitation or irritability.

About the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The988 suicide and crisis lifeline is a free, confidential 24/7 phone line that connects individuals in crisis with trained counselors across the United States. There are also specialized lines for both Veterans and the LGBTQIA+ population.

You don’t have to be suicidal or in crisis to call the Lifeline. People call to talk about coping with lots of things: substance use, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, illness, abuse, mental and physical illness, and loneliness. Here’s more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

  • You are not alone in reaching out. In 2021, the Lifeline received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts.

  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers supported by HHS through SAMHSA.

  • Calls to the Lifeline are routed to the nearest crisis center for connections to local resources for help.

  • Responders are trained counselors who have successfully helped to prevent suicide ideation and attempts among callers.