Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

By Rebecca de Broglio

In 2023 alone, over 50,000 people in the United States committed suicide–more than any year on record.1 It has been well known that suicide mortality rates have been rising every year in the United States, however, the seriousness and dramatic incline is not discussed as often as it should be. According to the CDC, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States in 2021.2 The suicide rate has risen by 16% from 2011 to 2022, after being adjusted for population growth and age.3 Suicide has been a prevalent issue in the United States for over a decade and continues to rise, yet prevention methods and education surrounding the topic are still limited due to the stigma around mental health. Our silence is leading to deaths around the nation, yet many people are unsure of what they can do to help. Many people feel that suicide comes out of “nowhere” however, that is the furthest thing from the truth.4 There are many signs that someone may considering suicide, ranging from subtle to glaringly obvious. Due to my personal experiences with suicide and depression, I feel inclined to provide resources that can help people better understand the signs of suicide in order to support one another. 

I have struggled with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation since I was 7 years old. I know that seems like a surprising age to be having those thoughts, and while it is uncommon, it’s not unseen. Due to a combination of genetics and a sequence of traumatic attempts, I attempted suicide for the first time at 7 years old. I planned carefully for a night when my parents were out and there was only a babysitter in the house. I swallowed a whole bottle of sleeping pills and went back to bed, hoping to never wake again. Fortunately, the babysitter found the pill bottle in the trash can, called an ambulance, and I was quickly cared for. When asked why I did it, I lied. I said I thought they would help me sleep. 

My final (and most serious attempt) was during my high school sophomore year in 2022. I was hospitalized as a patient at a children’s psychiatric ward after consuming 2,000 milligrams of oxycodone. I still suffer side effects from that overdose. The most lasting effect of this experience, however, is the sensation of dying I felt in the moment. No words could ever describe the feeling of the numbness that gripped my body as I fell unconscious. Since then, I have had an extremely supportive team to uphold me. Thanks to the support of my psychiatrist, psychologist, family, and friends, I have been able to heal and move on from those dark times. 

These incidents have been the catalyst of deciding a career in psychiatry in order to help others like myself. I began volunteering for the Crisis TextLine to help others in mental and emotional crises. I had some bad experiences with hotlines, and I want to be able to not only offer help to others, but provide genuine and quality care for those in need. By educating yourself on signs to look out for, you can potentially save a life and encourage someone to seek help. There are many complex factors that play into suicide or suicide attempts, and by enlightening yourself you can help yourself reach out for resources, and care for the people around you. If you notice that these warning signs apply to someone (or yourself), please seek help immediately. If you feel uncomfortable you can also contact the crisis line I volunteer at. Text “Hello” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. To reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988.  

One sign could be expressions of hopelessness, such as “I can’t go on” or “Life is meaningless,” which are significant red flags. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), “People who talk about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live may be at risk”. Such statements often reflect deep emotional pain and a sense of despair. This can be couples with a sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities can indicate emotional distress. The WHO identifies social isolation as a critical risk factor for suicidal ideation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human connections.

Another verbal sign is frequent mentions of death, dying, or self-harm should not be dismissed. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline advises paying close attention to phrases like “I wish I were dead,” as they may reveal underlying intentions (“What to Do”). A burden complex often goes hand-in-hand with this. Individuals who feel like a burden to others may vocalize thoughts such as, “You’d be better off without me.” This sense of guilt or self-perceived inadequacy is a common precursor to suicidal ideation.

Another common sign of someone at risk for suicide are dramatic mood swings—shifting from extreme sadness to calmness or euphoria—may signal that someone has resolved to take action. These changes are often overlooked but can be critical indicators. They may start engaging in more reckless actions, such as driving dangerously, substance abuse, or engaging in unsafe activities, which can signify a disregard for personal safety and an underlying desire to harm oneself.

A major sign that many people don’t recognize is giving away prized possessions or making unusual arrangements, such as updating a will or saying goodbye in a meaningful way, can indicate a sense of finality and preparation. A more obvious sign may be with purchasing weapons, stockpiling medications, or researching suicide methods are critical warning signs that require immediate attention.

Additionally, it is not uncommon for individuals who may be contemplating suicide are significant changes in sleeping habits, including insomnia or excessive sleeping, can signal emotional or psychological distress. Such disruptions are often linked to depression and anxiety disorders. This could be coupled with a noticeable decline in grooming, work performance, or personal responsibilities may reflect a lack of motivation or interest in life’s daily routines.

Recognizing these signs is the first step, but taking action is crucial. Approaching someone who may be at risk requires sensitivity, empathy, and a willingness to listen without judgment. I know it may be difficult to speak up to a friend, family member, partner, coworker, etc. to express your concerns, especially with the risk of lashback. However, would you rather take the risk of an unhappy response, or to visit the tombstone of the person you care for? As the AFSP explains, “You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference—you just have to be there”. Encouraging professional help and offering support can create a path toward recovery. By educating yourself on this risk factors for suicide, you can actively be a part of the efforts to reduce harm impact and prevent suicide!

REFERENCES

1. NBCUniversal News Group. (2023, December 31). More than 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023 - more than any year on record. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/more-than-50-000-americans-died-by-suicide-in-2023-more-than-any-year-on-record-201161285832

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 13). Products - data briefs - number 464 - April 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db464.htm

3. Heather Saunders and Nirmita Panchal      Published: Aug 04, 2023, & 2023, A. (2023, August 21). A look at the latest suicide data and change over the last decade. KFF. https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-the-latest-suicide-data-and-change-over-the-last-decade/#:~:text=When%20adjusted%20for%20population%20growth,rate%20of%2010.57%20per%20100%2C000

4. Warning signs of suicide. SAVE. (2023, September 8). https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-protective-factors/