The University of Toledo

Warning Signs

BEHAVIORAL SIGNS

• Withdrawal from friends, family, society
• Engaging in risky or reckless behavior
• Increased substance use (alcohol or drugs)
• Change in eating pattern (loss of or increased appetite)
• Change in sleep pattern (insomnia or oversleeping)
• Change in academic performance (failing grades, missing classes, etc.)

LIFE EVENTS

• History of past suicide attempts
• Loss of friend or family member to suicide
• Recent rejections, failures, or losses (ending of a romantic relationship, lower grades than expected, family problems)

DIRECT-SUICIDE RELATED COMMENTS/BEHAVIORS

• Talking about suicide either in a direct manner, “I’m thinking about killing myself” or in a vague way, “It would better for everyone if I wasn’t a problem.”
• Developing a plan or obtaining means to commit suicide (buying a firearm, collecting pills.)

MOOD/FEELINGS

• Hopelessness/Helplessness
• Anxiety/agitation
• Anger
• Sadness/tearful