Know the Warning Signs
The following are warning signs that may help you determine if a loved one/peer is at risk for suicide. If the behavior is new, has increased, or if the person has experienced a painful event, loss or change know the warning signs.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping problems- too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves- Choosing to be alone, avoiding friends or social activities. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
- Excessive sadness or moodiness: Long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage.
- Sudden calmness: Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness.
- Changes in personality and/or appearance
- Dangerous or self-harmful behavior: Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol use.
- Recent trauma or life crisis: A major life crises-death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job or not doing well in school, or serious family financial problems.
- Making preparations: Putting personal business in order- visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will/writing notes, and cleaning up their room.
- Threatening suicide-Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.
What to do- if a friend or someone you know is expressing thoughts or feelings of suicide.
- Take the threat seriously
- Do not leave the person alone
- Keep them calm as possible
- Call 911 or take to emergency room
- Inform Parent/Guardians
- If on campus inform/bring to Counseling Office or Administration
Emergency Lines/Important Numbers
Both those in crisis and their allies can find support!
- Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255
- Curry Community Health Crisis Line 877-519-9322
- 741741 Text “SOS”
- Brookings Police 541-469-3118
Things you might hear:
Subtle Verbal Cues
“I won’t be around much longer”
“I wonder what death will be like”
“Things are never going to get any better”
“People would be better off without me”
“Nobody cares”
“They’ll see how serious I am”
“I won’t be a problem for you much longer”
Direct Verbal cues
“I’m going to kill myself”
“I just want to die”
“I wish I was dead”
“Death is the only way out”
Remember:
- Take the threat seriously
- Do not leave the person alone
- Keep them calm as possible
- Get help
- Call 911
- Take to emergency room
- Seek assistance of trusted adult/parent/guardian
- Take to Counseling Office or seek out an Administrator