Suicide is a serious public health concern, and recognizing warning signs can help connect someone to support when it matters most. Emotional pain is not always visible, and not everyone who is thinking about suicide will show obvious signs. However, you should never ignore certain changes in a person’s words, emotions, or behavior.
Warning Signs to Take Seriously
A person who is struggling may talk about:
- Wanting to die or not wanting to be alive
- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Intense guilt or shame
Behavioral changes may include:
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or usual activities
- Saying goodbye or giving away important possessions
- Planning or researching ways to die
- Taking unusually dangerous or reckless risks
- Sleeping or eating significantly more or less than usual
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Displaying extreme mood changes, agitation, anxiety, or rage
These signs deserve particular attention when they are new, increasing, or occurring after a painful loss, major life change, relationship problem, financial difficulty, or other significant stressor.
What Should You Do?
If you are concerned about someone, ask directly and compassionately: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking this question does not put the idea of suicide into someone’s mind. Instead, it can create an opportunity for the person to speak honestly and receive help.
Listen without judgment. Stay present. Help the person connect with a mental health professional, trusted family member, friend, or other source of support. When suicide risk is present, reducing access to potentially lethal means and maintaining supportive follow-up can also help improve safety.
If someone tells you they intend to kill themselves or appears to be in immediate danger, do not leave them alone and do not promise to keep it secret. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
For suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
How Access Psychiatry Can Help
At Access Psychiatry, LLC, we understand that suicidal thoughts can occur in the setting of depression, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, anxiety, substance use, psychotic disorders, overwhelming life stress, and other circumstances. Each person’s experience is different, which is why compassionate and individualized assessment matters.
Our team provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, and ongoing mental health support. Seeking help is not something that needs to wait until a crisis becomes severe. Early support can help identify what is happening and determine appropriate next steps.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, reaching out can be the beginning of meaningful support and treatment.
Access Psychiatry, LLC
Glen Burnie & Laurel, Maryland
Office: (443) 302-9788 | (301) 709-5921
For emergencies or immediate danger, call 911. For suicidal thoughts or emotional crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Question
Does asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head?
No. Research has found that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does not cause or increase suicidal thinking or behavior. A calm, direct question can help identify someone who needs support and open the door to an honest conversation.
Written by Dr. M. Safari, DNP/PMHNP-BC