Suicide is a difficult subject, but silence can leave people feeling even more alone. Learning to recognise the warning signs and knowing how to respond could help save a life.
World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) encourages open, honest conversations about suicide and reminds people that help is available. Suicidal thoughts can affect people of any age or background. They may develop during periods of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, or another mental health condition. They can also arise during a crisis involving financial pressure, unemployment, relationship problems, bullying, violence, bereavement, chronic pain, or serious illness.
Not everyone who thinks about suicide has a diagnosed mental health condition. Sometimes several problems build up until the person feels trapped and unable to imagine a way forward.
Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Warning signs differ from person to person. Some people speak openly about their distress, while others try to hide it. The signs are particularly concerning when they are new, becoming more severe, or appear after a painful loss or major life change.
1. Talking About Wanting to Die
Always take comments about suicide seriously. A person may say they want to die, have nothing to live for, or believe others would be better off without them. Even comments made as a “joke” may be a way of expressing deep emotional pain.
2. Feeling Hopeless or Trapped
The person may repeatedly say that nothing will improve, there is no solution to their problems, or they cannot continue living this way. They may feel ashamed, guilty, worthless, or like a burden to their family.
3. Withdrawing From Other People
Someone at risk may stop answering calls, avoid friends, miss work or school, or lose interest in family and community activities. They may spend more time alone and stop doing things they once enjoyed.
4. Saying Goodbye or Giving Things Away
Unexpectedly giving away treasured belongings, contacting people to say goodbye, writing farewell messages, or putting personal affairs in order can be serious warning signs.
5. Major Mood Changes
Watch for severe sadness, anxiety, anger, agitation, irritability, shame, or emotional numbness. A person who has been extremely distressed may suddenly seem unusually calm. This does not necessarily mean the crisis has passed and should still be taken seriously.
6. Changes in Sleep and Daily Habits
Sleeping far more or less than usual, eating very little, neglecting personal care, or struggling to manage normal responsibilities may show that someone is no longer coping.
7. Increased Alcohol or Drug Use
Some people use alcohol or drugs to escape painful feelings. These substances can impair judgement, lower inhibitions, and increase impulsive behaviour, making a crisis more dangerous.
8. Risky or Reckless Behaviour
Driving dangerously, starting fights, entering unsafe situations, or showing little concern for personal safety can be warning signs, especially when the behaviour is unusual for that person.
9. Looking for a Way to Die
Searching for information about suicide, trying to obtain dangerous items, or choosing a time and place should be treated as an emergency. A previous suicide attempt is also an important risk factor and should never be dismissed.
How to Start the Conversation
If you are worried, ask clearly and calmly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows that asking directly does not put the idea into someone’s mind or increase suicidal behaviour. Instead, it can give the person permission to speak honestly and may help them feel less alone.
Listen without interrupting, judging, arguing, or trying to solve every problem immediately. Avoid saying, “Other people have it worse,” “Just be positive” or “You have so much to live for.” These comments may make the person feel misunderstood.
Instead, say: “I am here with you,” “Thank you for telling me” and “Let us find help together.”
Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret. Explain that you care too much to leave them without support.
What to Do in an Emergency
If the person has a suicide plan, access to something that could harm them, or feels they may act soon, do not leave them alone. If it is safe to do so, remove dangerous items and take them to the nearest emergency department or call for urgent help.
The free iER app provides 24/7 access to emergency assistance. Its panic button shares the user’s GPS location with the iER control centre, which can arrange the appropriate emergency response. You can also call iER on 0861 10 60 80.
For crisis counselling, contact the 24-hour SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567. Friends and family may also call if they are worried about someone.
Support should continue after the immediate crisis. A phone call, visit, shared meal, or an offer to attend an appointment can reduce isolation while the person receives ongoing medical care and counselling.
Conclusion
Suicidal thoughts are not a sign of weakness, selfishness, or failure. They usually mean that a person is experiencing more emotional pain than they can manage alone. Recognising the warning signs, asking direct questions, and seeking help promptly can create an opening for safety, treatment, and hope.
Medical Society offers nationwide 24/7 telehealth consultations, making it possible to seek professional healthcare advice from anywhere, at any time.
