Red Flags for Suicide – and Where to Get Help

“Warning Signs for Suicide Prevention” (PDF, 33.88 KB) was developed by the American Association of Suicidology. These are indications that someone may be at heightened risk of suicide within minutes, hours or days:

Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate help from a mental health provider when you hear or see someone doing one of the following: 

• threatening to hurt or kill himself or herself
• looking for ways to kill himself or herself: seeking access to pills, weapons or other means
• talking or writing about death, dying or suicide

Contact a mental health professional or one of the suicide prevention hotlines listed below if someone you know exhibits one of the following:

• hopelessness
• rage, anger, revenge seeking
• recklessness
• feeling trapped – like there's no way out
• increased alcohol or drug use
• withdrawal from friends, family or society
• anxiety, agitation, inability to sleep or constant sleeping
• dramatic mood changes
• no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

Who to Call for Help 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

The Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)