Look for warning signs

When a loved one or friend is thinking about suicide, they may:

• Talk about suicide, such as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born."
• Get the means for suicide, such as buying a gun or gathering a supply of pills.
• Withdraw from social contact and want to be left alone.
• Have mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply sad the next.
• Talk or write about death, dying or violence.
• Feel trapped or hopeless about a situation.
• Increase the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Change routines, including eating or sleeping patterns.
• Do risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving in a way that could cause harm.
• Give away belongings or get affairs in order when there is no reason to do so.
• Say final goodbyes to people.
• Develop personality changes or be overly anxious or agitated, particularly along with other warning signs.