Warning Signs & Risk Factors of Suicide
Warning signs are important, but it is very important to include the Risk Factors.   
Coupling the two, warning signs and risk factors give a clearer profile of risk!
If you need help now, click here for help online. Here are helpful coping strategies for teens.

WARNING SIGNS

  • Abrupt changes in personality
  • Giving away possessions
  • Previous suicide attempt
  • Use of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Change in eating pattern - significant weight change
  • Change in sleeping pattern - insomnia/oversleeping
  • Unwillingness or inability to communicate
  • Depression
  • Extreme or extended boredom
  • Accident prone (carelessness)
  • Unusual sadness, discouragement and loneliness.
  • Talk of wanting to die
  • Neglect of academic work and/or personal appearance
  • Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing loved one.
  • Running away from home or truancy from school.
  • Rebelliousness - reckless behavior.
  • Withdrawal from people/activities they love.
  • Confusion - Inability to concentrate
  • Chronic Pain, Panic or Anxiety
  • Perfectionism
  • Restlessness

RISK FACTORS

  • Problems with school or the law
  • Breakup of a romance
  • Unexpected pregnancy
  • A stressful family life. (having parents
    who are depressed or are substance
    abusers, or a family history of suicide
  • Loss of security...fear of authority, peers,
    group or gang members
  • Stress due to new situations; college
    or relocating to a new community
  • Failing in school or failing to pass
    an important test
  • A serious illness or injury to oneself
  • Seriously injuring another person or
    causing another person's death
    (example: automobile accident)
  • Major loss...of a loved one,
    a home, divorce in the family,
    a trauma, a relationship

Suicide victims are not trying to end their life - they are trying to end the pain!

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