3 Warning Signs of Suicide and 4 Ways to Help Prevent It

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, offer support and share hope. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., especially among teens and young adults, but it can be prevented. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can help save a life.

3 Warning Signs of Suicide

Many people experience risk factors for suicide—such as depression, substance use or chronic pain—but that doesn’t mean they will act on them. The good news is there are warning signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care about. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent a crisis.

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1. Talking About Suicide or Death: If you notice yourself or a loved one thinking or talking about suicide, feeling hopeless, wishing they could go to sleep and not wake up, being a burden, or experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain, these are all red flags for suicide. Remember, talking openly to a loved one about suicidal thoughts, behaviors, or feelings does not increase risk—it helps prevent it.
2. Sudden Behavior Changes: Watch for major shifts in behavior, especially after a loss or distressing event. These changes may include increased substance use, searching online about death, withdrawing from loved ones, giving away possessions, or showing more aggression or fatigue. While behavioral changes may follow a challenging experience—such as a breakup or job loss—they can also appear without an apparent reason. Either way, they’re important signs to take seriously.
3. Mood Changes: People who are thinking about suicide often exhibit mood changes or a persistent low mood. This can include new or worsening depression, anxiety, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, irritability, anger, or feelings of shame and humiliation. One lesser-known—but important—warning sign is a sudden improvement in mood after a period of severe or chronic depression. If a loved one seems unexpectedly better after struggling for a long time, open the conversation and ask them directly if they’ve been thinking about suicide.

4 Ways to Help Prevent Suicide

Don’t Wait to Get Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

It’s free, confidential and available 24/7 for:

• Thoughts of suicide.
• Mental health crises.
• Substance use concerns.
• Any kind of emotional distress.

You can also visit your nearest emergency room or call 911 for immediate assistance. Locally, Overlake’s Behavioral Health Unit offers short-term, voluntary inpatient care in a safe and supportive environment.

Start the Conversation 
Talking openly about suicide won’t cause it—it can prevent it. Asking directly shows you care and creates space for honest conversation.

Try asking:

• “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
• “Have you felt like you didn’t want to wake up?”
• “Have you made any plans to end your life?”

Listen without judgment. Stay with them, help them connect with professional support, or take them to the emergency room if needed. Check in regularly and remind them they’re not alone. Your support can make a life-saving difference. If you’re unsure of how to start the conversation, join us for one of our free Suicide Prevention Training classes.

Stay Connected
Isolation can intensify feelings of hopelessness or distress. If you're struggling, resist the urge to withdraw. Reach out to someone you trust and let them know how you are feeling. Staying engaged at work, school or in daily routines—even in small ways—can help protect your mental health and may save your life.

Remove Harmful Objects
If you or a loved one is at risk, remove access to firearms, certain medications or other dangerous items. Lock them away or ask a trusted person for help. Local law enforcement can also offer guidance on how to do this safely.

Additional resources:

• I am worried about someone else | Washington State Department of Health
• Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs | AFSP