SUICIDE

WARNING SIGNS

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF SOMEONE MIGHT BE SUICIDAL?

Recognize the Warning Signs

01
WARNING SIGNS

ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT:

Killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain

Immediate Risk

Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide. The following three should prompt you to immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or a mental health professional.

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions

Serious Risk

Other behaviors may also indicate a serious risk—especially if the behavior is new; has increased; and/or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
  • Fatigue
02
WHAT TO DO

IF YOU NOTICE THE SIGNS:

  • If you recognize the warning signs, ask them the question:
    • Are you thinking about killing yourself?
    • Are you thinking about ending your life?
    • Are you thinking about suicide?
  • DO ask if you’ve identified the warning signs.
  • DO ask the question in a way that is natural and flows with the conversation.
  • DO stay with them
  • DO validate their feelings
  • DO offer Support
  • DO direct them to help
  • DON’T judge
  • DON’T ask the question as if you are looking for a “no” answer.
  • DON’T wait to ask until they are halfway out of the door.

BE AWARE OF CHANGES:

  • Overall health: Any mental health issues, prolonged lack of sleep/insomnia, terminal illness, new diagnosis
  • Environment: Access to firearms, prolonged stress, traumatic event, exposure to suicide
  • History: Previous attempts, family history, abuse, or trauma
03
WHAT TO SAY TO THEM

LISTEN. VALIDATE. OFFER HOPE.

  • Stay Stay
    • with the person or have someone stay with them – do not leave them alone, even briefly
  • Support
    • Provide support
    • Don’t judge or act angry
  • Get Help
    • Determine if they can be safe
    • Involve others in their support system
    • Consider getting professional help
  • If they cannot be safe:
    • Community Crisis Center open 24/7 walk-in or call 660-7500
    • Local emergency department
    • Call 911 – ask for CIT Officer

Be Proactive

CRISIS TEXT LINE

Text to 741741

COMMUNITY CRISIS CENTER

(316) 660-7500
Walk-in 24/7 at 635 N. Main

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

1 (800) 273-TALK
suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat

THE TREVOR PROJECT LIFELINE (LGBTQ)

1 (866) 488-7386

TRANS LIFELINE

1 (877) 565-8860