Overview

Suicide is a tragic response to stressful life situations, but it can be prevented. Whether you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to recognize warning signs and seek immediate help and professional treatment. Taking action can save lives and lead to a brighter future.

If you are in immediate danger or need immediate help:

• Call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You can also use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat/. Services are confidential and free.
• If you're a U.S. veteran or service member in crisis, call 988 and press 1 or text 838255. Or chat using veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/.
• Call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.

Symptoms

Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts is crucial:

• Talking about suicide or expressing a wish to die
• Acquiring the means to take one's life
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Mood swings and emotional highs and lows
• Preoccupation with death or violence
• Feeling trapped or hopeless
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors
• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye as if not expecting to be seen again
• Personality changes or severe anxiety and agitation

Warning signs may not always be obvious and can vary from person to person. Some individuals may keep their suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.

When to See a Doctor

If you're feeling suicidal but not immediately planning to harm yourself, consider these options:

• Reach out to a close friend or loved one
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader, or someone in your faith community
• Call a suicide hotline
• Make an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional

Suicidal thinking doesn't improve on its own, so it's essential to seek help.

Causes and Risk Factors

Suicidal thoughts can have various causes, often arising from feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's challenges. A sense of hopelessness may lead to viewing suicide as the only way out of a crisis.

There may be a genetic link to suicide, as individuals with suicidal thoughts or behaviors may have a family history of suicide.

Risk factors for suicide include:

• Previous suicide attempts
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and social isolation
• Stressful life events, such as loss, military service, breakup, or financial problems
• Substance abuse problems
• Access to firearms
• Underlying psychiatric disorders, such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder
• Family history of mental health disorders, substance abuse, or suicide
• Medical conditions linked to depression or suicidal thinking
• Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in an unsupportive environment

In children and teenagers, suicide may be influenced by factors such as psychiatric disorders, conflicts with friends or family, abuse, alcohol or drug problems, bullying, or uncertainty about sexual orientation.

Complications

Suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide can have severe emotional consequences. Suicidal ideation may consume an individual's daily life, while suicide attempts can result in serious, permanent injuries such as organ failure or brain damage. For survivors of suicide, grief, anger, depression, and guilt are common.

Prevention

To prevent suicidal thoughts and behavior, consider the following steps:

• Get the treatment you need for underlying issues like depression or substance misuse
• Establish a support network of friends, family, and community resources
• Remember that suicidal feelings are temporary, and treatment can help you regain perspective