Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors Everyone Should Know [Infographic]

Mental health advocacy groups have shared warning signs and risk factors for suicide. Here’s what to look for in a loved one.

7:00 AM

Author | Kevin Joy

The warning signs before suicide aren't always clear, nor are they universal or from a single cause.

MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Still, across the board, mental health experts say certain behaviors shouldn't be ignored.

"Paying attention to suicide warning signs and responding with empathy and support is key to helping individuals get needed help," says Meg Jennings, LMSW, a social-work supervisor for Michigan Medicine.

If you think someone is in danger of committing suicide, don't leave them alone; call 911 immediately. And if you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Here are some signals that might indicate a person is in trouble:


More Articles About: Preventative health and wellness Mental Health Assessment Mental Illness Depression Mental Health
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of health care news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories woman in dark room holding head window blinds shadow on her
Health Lab
Depression too often gets deemed ‘hard to treat’ when medication falls short
A diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair in some patients, researchers say.
Health Lab
How to Help College Students Counteract Depression and Anxiety
The executive director of the U-M Depression Center talks about its mission to better equip young people to deal with the stresses of college life.
Health Lab
After ’13 Reasons Why,’ a Spotlight on Teen Suicide Warning Signs
Thirteen Reasons Why spotlights how teen suicidal behavior is complicated. Learn the warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts and how you can help.
Minding Memory with a microphone and a shadow of a microphone on a blue background
Minding Memory
The Return of Minding Memory
Welcome to Season 4 of Minding Memory, where we are welcoming a new co-host, Lauren Gerlach to the Minding Memory team. Lauren is a Geriatric Psychiatrist at the University of Michigan and a member of the CAPRA leadership team. In this episode, Lauren shares a little background on her research interests, what it’s like to be a geriatric psychiatrist, and some lessons learned about using “uncool” emoticons or emojis when texting.
Hurricane from above
Health Lab
Hurricanes, fires, floods: How to be prepared
Disasters happen. Follow these tips from an emergency medicine physician to help your family prepare and stay safe.
Health Lab
Cannabis & older adults: Poll looks at use, beliefs and risk
Many older Americans use cannabis products containing THC for a range of reasons, but a sizable percentage may be taking risks or facing potential addiction.