If three or more of the following conditions or behaviors are evident, the possibility for suicide is high and intervention should be done immediately.
- Significantly decreased performance in school.
- Diminished attention span.
- Little to no interest in normally pleasurable activities.
- Withdrawal from usual friends.
- Unexplained impulsive behavior and/or accidents.
- Increased or sudden use of alcohol or other drugs.
- Expressions of hopelessness.
- Lethargy, boredom and sleepiness.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Recent loss of a family member or close friend.
- Any essays, poems, diary entries, etc. about suicide or death.
- Any talk of death or self-harm.
When symptoms and warning signs have been detected, they must be taken seriously and intervention put into effect. If there has been previous depression or suicidal thoughts, followed with a sudden improvement in mood, the teen may be at the greatest risk of suicide.
- Take time to listen with care, reflection, and compassion.
- Ask if they feel “bad enough that you might hurt or kill yourself.”
- Never promise to keep their thoughts or threats of suicide a secret.
- Share your knowledge of the teen’s suicidal thought with appropriate others immediately.
- If serious intent or thoughts of hurting themselves is expressed, remain with the teen until other professionals can get involved.
