Symptoms of suicidal thoughts
There are a number of signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts; the list below contains some of the most common.
Common symptoms of suicidal thoughts include:
- Appearing to feel trapped or hopeless
- Appearing to have an abnormal preoccupation with violence, dying and/or death
- Being in a heightened state of anxiety
- Being very moody
- Changing personality
- Changing routine
- Changing sleeping patterns
- Consuming (more) drugs
- Consuming more alcohol
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as driving carelessly or taking drugs
- Getting affairs in order
- Getting hold of a gun, medications, or substances that could end a life
- Giving stuff away
- Having depression
- Having panic attacks
- Impaired concentration
- Increased self-criticism
- Isolating oneself
- Psychomotor agitation - such as pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, taking off clothing and putting it back on, and other such actions
- Saying goodbye to others as if it were the last time
- Seeming to be unable to experience pleasurable emotions from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction or sex
- Seeming to have severe remorse
- Talking about killing oneself, expressing regret about being alive or ever having been born.
Prevention of suicidal thoughts
Mental illness is the most common cause of suicidal ideation and completed suicide. A significant number of mental problems, such as depression, can be successfully treated with medications and talking therapies, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or counseling.
Individuals with a mental illness/problem should see their doctor and get treatment.
The following may help lower the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts:
- Adherence (compliance) - this means following your treatment plan, going to follow-up appointments, taking medications as instructed, etc.
- Alcohol and illegal drugs - avoid them
- Avoid isolation - try to stay connected to the outside world
- Do exercise
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
- Family - involve your family in treatment, get their support. Ask them to come along to your sessions, health care professionals can help them acquire better coping and supportive skills
- Focus on the good things in life (talking therapies may help you achieve this)
- Get at least 7-8 hours continuous sleep every 24-hour period
- Get treatment for a mental illness
- Means of ending one's life - get rid of guns, knives and dangerous drugs.
- Seek out things that give you pleasure, such as being with friends/family you like
- Self help groups - sharing the anguish and anxieties that drive you towards suicidal idealization can be relieving and comforting. You will see how others got through it. If you can support other people you may feel better about yourself and those around you.
- Seek counseling with a licensed professional counselor
Warning Signs Before a Suicide Attempt
Many people show warning signs or changes in behavior prior to a suicide attempt. While no specific behavior, or pattern of actions, can predict a suicide attempt, it is important to watch for signs and behaviors that are concerning. These warning signs parallel the risk factors described above. Changes or increases in these behaviors are particularly concerning:
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Statements threatening to hurt or kill oneself
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Looking for access to firearms, pills, or other means for committing suicide
- Statements of hopelessness, purposelessness, helplessness/feeling trapped
- Increased anger or rage, threats of revenge
- Increased risky or reckless behavior
- Preparing a will or insurance policies; giving away important personal belongings; making arrangements for belongings, pets, etc., to be cared for.
- After a long period of depression and low energy, suddenly seems brighter or full of energy
Any of these may be concerning, but they are particularly troubling when they are paired with recent losses, including deaths, breakups, job or financial losses, or medical diagnoses. If you see these warning signs, it is critical to talk to the person openly about any concerns and get them connected to help.