How to spot these subtle warning signs of suicide

Some people might assume that anyone contemplating suicide would be struggling with an obvious or serious mental health issue, such as severe depression. In fact, many people who commit suicide don’t have a known mental illness, and there usually isn’t just one determining factor that prompts someone to take their own life.

The circumstances that result in suicide are usually complex and may involve one or more life challenges, such as chronic pain, substance abuse or other serious health issues, financial strain, legal problems, trauma, or relationship troubles.

This may help explain why some people seem shocked or baffled by the suicide of someone close to them. But in most cases, including some that seem inexplicable, there are clues—some more subtle than others, according to Cesar Figueroa, MD, a psychiatrist in Macon, Georgia.

“Any changes in someone's personality, behavior, or how they express their emotions can be an indication,” says Dr. Figueroa. These changes can often appear mild.

“Sometimes outgoing people suddenly become quiet, less talkative,” Figueroa notes. “Someone who usually laughs a lot may stop showing emotion or start crying more often. Someone who is usually calm may suddenly become very easily agitated or start doing risky things.”

Understand the range of possible warning signs

Obvious signs that someone is suicidal may include dramatic mood swings, talking about being in unbearable pain, aggressive behavior, and feeling trapped or like a burden to others. But there are other changes which, when considered together or put into context, could be an indication that someone is considering suicide, Figueroa points out.

Some more subtle warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored may include:

• Avoiding social situations more often and for no particular reason
• Indifference about slipping performance at work or school
• Increasing use of alcohol or new or worsening drug abuse
• Giving up on personal hygiene and positive habits, like following a healthy diet and exercising
• Being more careless about taking medications properly and no longer keeping chronic health issues, like diabetes, under control
• Driving recklessly or engaging in riskier behaviors
• Talking about feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
• Unusual purchases, such as buying supplies, objects, or weapons that wouldn’t normally be needed but could be used for self-harm

Having a preoccupation with death—which may include giving away possessions, saying goodbye to family and friends, and oddly timed estate planning—is another possible red flag.

“Making a will is probably not an alarming thing for people if it’s happening at the right time in their lives,” Figueroa says. But when people start talking about death more often—especially at a time when they seem to be under a lot of stress—it shouldn’t be dismissed, he explains.

Consider risk factors for suicide

Anyone could be at risk for suicide but there are certain factors aside from mental illness which may make some people more likely than others to take their own lives. It’s important to consider these known risk factors when assessing behavioral changes and other warning signs, according to Figueroa. Risk factors for suicide include:

• A personal or family history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Identifying as lesbian, gay, transgender, or another sexual minority
• A history of childhood abuse or trauma
• Stressful life events, such as a financial loss, divorce, or death of a loved one
• Chronic pain
• Military service
• Traumatic brain injury
• Access to firearms

The more risk factors people have, the more likely they are to commit suicide, Figueroa adds. He notes that in some cases, people contemplating suicide are motivated by a misguided sense of altruism, believing that their death would be in the best interest of their family or loved ones.

Know what pushes people to suicide

Millions of people admit they’ve thought about killing themselves but far fewer have come up with a plan or gone so far as to act upon it.

“I think most of us have at some point in time thought, ‘Life is so hard right now. I wish I were not here,’ or ‘I wonder what would happen if I die,’” Figueroa says. But it’s the persistence of underlying problems and ongoing stress that, for some people, can move these thoughts from a fleeting notion to a plan and intention to commit suicide, he explains.

“Between genetics and how you learn to cope with stress and distress, I honestly believe that we all have a breaking point,” Figueroa adds.

Don’t dismiss your concerns

Sometimes, the idea that someone would not only contemplate suicide but also follow through with it may be hard to accept, according to Figueroa.

“Let's face it, to admit to yourself that someone you love might actually take their own life is pretty scary,” he says. “I think by nature we try to say, ‘No, this is not real.’”

If you believe that you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or dying?” Having this candid talk won’t make someone more likely to take their own life. It could actually have the opposite effect. Giving people the opportunity to open up about their feelings may reduce the likelihood that they act on suicidal thoughts.

People considering suicide can reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘HELLO’ to 741741. They will be connected with a person who will listen to their concerns without judgment. They can also call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

If you’re with someone who is actively considering suicide, do not leave that person alone. Call 911 right away or go to the nearest emergency room.

“If you're concerned about someone, consider it an emergency,” Figueroa advises. “When you take action, the worst-case scenario is that people go to the ER and they're okay and referred for outpatient care,” he says. “But the best-case scenario is that you save a life.”