National Institute of Mental Health
Often, but not always, a person may show certain signs and behaviors before a suicide attempt, such as:
- Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
- Giving away belongings
- Talking about going away or the need to “get my affairs in order”
- Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
- Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting their body
- Pulling away from friends or not wanting to go out
- Suddenly having trouble in school or work
- Talking about death or suicide, or even saying that they want to hurt themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty
- Changing sleep or eating habits
- Arranging ways to take their own life (such as buying a gun or many pills)
