Suicide Warning Signs to Be Aware Of
There are a few warning signs for adults and youth if someone is struggling and at risk of self-harm.* The risk can be greater if the behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
Signs can include:
- Talking about self-harm and associated behaviors
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Displaying severe emotional pain or distress
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing and becoming isolated
- Talking about feeling trapped, or unbearable pain
- Extreme mood swings
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
*We are creating a space to have safe discussions about difficult topics. If you have comments, please share with respect and consideration to others. Today, we are grateful to have accessible services like National Deaf Therapy, Deaf LEAD, Deaf Counseling Center, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to support services such as your physician, the local ER, or the 988 hotline in ASL (https://988lifeline.org/ and click ASL NOW).
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Transcript and Video Description
[Video Description: The post has a white graphic image thumbnail. In the center of the graphic is an outline of a person's head in teal and light blue. On the top of the graphic, the title is in dark blue “Adult and Youth Warning Signs” Surrounding the head is a variety of colors like blue, pink, dark blue and white text that reads the various signs of suicide in adults and youth.
Transcript: There are a few warning signs for adults and youth if someone is struggling and at risk for self-harm and associated behaviors. The risk can be greater if the behavior is new, or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Signs may include: 1. Talking about ending their life, such as making a plan. 2. Expressing hopelessness about the future, such as having no reason to live. 3. Talking about being a burden to others. 4. Displaying severe or overwhelming emotional pain or distress. 5. Sleeping too little or too much. 6. Withdrawing, becoming isolated from social connections or situations. 7. Talking about feeling trapped, or unbearable pain. 8. Extreme mood swings, such as anger that is unusual or increased irritability. 9. Increased use of alcohol or drugs. [The screen fades to show a thumbnail of a faded white background of a doctor holding hands with another individual] Deaf. Healthy. DeafHealth. Learn more at www.deafhealthaccess.org.]