What Are the Warning Signs for Suicide? A Psychiatrist Explains

As a psychiatrist who regularly sees patients after attempted suicide, I would like to remind you that no human being has more value than you.

If you notice warning signs of suicide in yourself or someone else, please reach out for help. It may be hard to do, but it can save your life or someone else’s life.

Being connected to family and community support and having easy access to healthcare can decrease suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Belonging, safety, dignity and hope can protect against suicide. Connection to family and pets also can protect against suicide.

What are the statistics about suicide?

In the United States, there were 49,266 suicides among people ages 12 and older in 2023.

Suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022. Suicide was responsible for 49,316 deaths in 2023, which is about one death by suicide every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2022, an estimated 12.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.7 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.5 million attempted suicide.

In 2023, suicide was among the top 8 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34.

Many people who died by suicide had undiagnosed mental health problems.

Relationship, substance use, health, job or financial problems can contribute to suicide

The financial toll of suicide on society is also costly. In 2020, suicide and nonfatal self-harm cost the nation over $500 billion in medical costs, work loss costs, value of statistical life, and quality of life costs.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

The behaviors listed below may be some of the signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

Talking about:

Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Being a burden to others

Feeling:

Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
Unbearable emotional or physical pain

Changing behavior, such as:

Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making awill
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less
Using drugs or alcohol more often
Hiding suicide wishes from others
Making preparations like a will or writing a note, giving away valued or meaningful possessions, saying goodbye to loved ones, tidying up a living space, and researching and purchasing weapons or harmful substances
A sudden sense of calm after a period of mood changes

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, please get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

You may be at a higher risk of suicide if you identify as one of the following demographic groups:

Alaska Native
Native American
Experienced incarceration
LGBTQIA+
Isolated (socially or environmentally)
Non-Hispanic white
Male
Migrant or refugee
Older than 65 years of age
Veteran
Victim of violence
Experienced abuse or neglect as a child or as an adult
Victim of war or natural disaster
Having been bullied
Having been sexually assaulted
People who live in rural areas
workers in certain industries and occupations like mining and construction

How can you take care of your mental health?

If you are personally dealing with mental health issues, suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please don’t forget that it’s important to stop and listen to your own needs. Below are a few ways to help you get through a difficult time.

Find a therapist or support group
Build a support network
Use your support network
Make a safety plan
Access support resources through your employer, such as an assistance plan or group

Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org. Using these resources, you can connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free and available 24/7/365.

Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information. This site is a resource available to you if you’re:

Thinking about suicide, self-harm or harming others
Anxious, stressed or having a bad day
In a crisis
Facing issues related to your sexual orientation, being transgender, or non-binary
Feeling overwhelmed with things like finances, housing and food access
Needing someone to talk to or finding it difficult to be alone
Needing advice if you’re concerned about a loved one

In the United States, when you call or text 988, a network of local counselors will help you with any issue you’re facing. For crises or situations where your safety is in danger, counselors can send additional help to your location to offer support if you need it.

If you are an Ochsner Employee and need support at any time, please call the Ochsner Employee Assistance Program at 877-595-5284 or 800-697-0353, or visit this website.

How can you keep yourself or your family safe?

Within your living space, there are steps you can take to keep yourself or a loved one safe. You’ll want to remove or lock away the following items that may cause harm:

Prescription medications.
Alcohol or substances.
Guns or weapons. If guns are present, make sure the bullets are removed and stored separately

If you have people who love you, and you have suicidal thoughts, please remind yourself of how the people who love you would feel if you died by suicide.

If you believe that God put you on this earth, and you have suicidal thoughts, please remind yourself of your belief.

If you know someone who is considering suicide, it may be helpful to stay with them. Give them the personal space they need, but don’t leave them alone to fend for themselves. It helps to have someone around to talk to and offer support when needed.

Learn more about psychiatrist Peter Goertz, MD