Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs in Yourself

Depression

Depression is a treatable illness, just like diabetes or heart disease. And like those illnesses, depression is not something that you can just "snap out of." To feel better, treatment is needed before depression gets to a point that it can endanger your life. To know if depression is causing you to feel like ending your life, ask yourself:

• Do I feel worthless, guilty, helpless, or hopeless?

• Have I been feeling sad, down, or blue on most days?

• Have I lost interest in my work or people I used to enjoy?

• Do I have trouble sleeping or do I sleep too much?

• Do I eat more or less than normal?

• Do I feel tired, weak, and low on energy?

• Do I feel restless and unable to sit still?

• Do I have trouble thinking or making choices?

• Do I cry more than normal?

• Do I feel life isn't worth living?

Warning signs for suicide

Contact your health care provider or get help right away if you have any of the warning signs below. You can also call a mental health clinic or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help and support. Warning signs for suicide include:

• Thinking often about taking your life.

• Planning how you may attempt it.

• Talking or writing about suicide.

• Feeling that death is the only solution to your problems.

• Feeling a pressing need to make out your will or arrange your funeral.

• Giving away things you own.

• Taking part in risky behaviors, such as having sex with someone you don't know, or drinking and driving.

• Buying a lethal weapon, such as a gun, or hoarding medicines that could be used in an overdose.

In a crisis, call or text 988

If you are in immediate risk of harming yourself or others, call 988.

When you call or text 988, you will be connected to trained crisis counselors at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. An online chat is also available. Lifeline is free and available 24/7.

To learn more

For more information about depression and suicide prevention:

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org or call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or 800-950-6264

• Mental Health America at www.nmha.org or 800-969-6642

• National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov or 866-615-6464