Although suicide can sometimes appear to happen suddenly, in many cases, there are clear warning signs beforehand. Everyone responds to suicidal thoughts differently, which is why suicide prevention starts with paying attention to noticeable changes in the people you love. Knowing what to look for and what to do next can make a real difference for a friend or family member in crisis.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, help is available right now. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to reach the crisis text line. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
If you’re not in crisis but are worried about a loved one’s mental health, Clear Behavioral Health is here to support you.
Ready to talk to someone who understands? Our team is here to help you find the right next step.
What Is the Difference Between Passing Sadness and Genuine Warning Signs of Suicide?
Sadness is a normal part of life. If you are experiencing temporary sadness, you’ll eventually start to feel better after getting some rest, receiving support from a trusted friend, and allowing yourself time to process what happened.
Suicide warning signs may look different than a passing period of sadness.1 Someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide may show signs of emotional distress, like talking about dying, feeling hopeless, or believing they are a burden to others. While these signs may not always mean that a person is suicidal, they are real reasons to pay attention and reach out.
Related: Understanding Passive Suicidal Ideation: Signs, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Behavioral, Verbal, and Emotional Red Flags To Watch for
If you’re worried that someone may be suicidal, look for changes in the way they act, the things they say, and their emotional state. Seeing one sign doesn’t necessarily mean they’re thinking about suicide, but seeing several at once or a significant shift in behavior or mood can be a serious warning.
Behavioral Red Flags
While stress can cause temporary changes in behavior, sudden and serious changes should never be ignored. This could indicate that they are struggling internally or thinking about suicide. Some of these behaviors include:2
- Suddenly withdrawing from friends and family
- Using more alcohol or drugs than usual
- Losing interest in favorite hobbies or activities
- Taking dangerous risks or acting recklessly
- Major changes in daily habits like sleeping or eating
- Neglecting personal hygiene or physical appearance
- Searching online for information about suicide methods
- Increased access or interest in potentially lethal items like firearms or medications
If someone suddenly seems unusually calm or cheerful after a period of significant stress, this could also signify that they are seriously thinking about suicide.
Verbal Red Flags
The words someone uses to describe what they’re feeling can be seen as a window into what a person may be going through. This may be more pronounced in someone with a personal or family history of suicide or mental illness. Someone who is struggling with overwhelming emotional pain may talk about their feelings in a way that connects with someone they trust.
Some comments could include:1
- Saying things like “I have no reason to live”
- Saying they feel like a burden to others
- Saying they feel trapped or that they have no way out
- Talking about how they won’t have to deal with the situation much longer
- Saying goodbye to other people as though they may never see them again
Statements about wanting to die should always be taken seriously. If your loved one makes these comments, reach out and ask if they need someone to talk to.
Emotional Red Flags
Emotional red flags can sometimes be more difficult to notice because they’re not always as obvious as changes in behavior or making comments about suicide.
Some emotional red flags to look for include:3
- Being overwhelmed by guilt about things that have happened in the past
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Feeling deeply sad or overwhelmed for a long period of time
- Feeling unusually angry, irritable, or anxious
- Shifting quickly between strong emotions like anger, sadness, or calmness
- Noticing physical changes like fatigue or a lack of energy
Some of these signs can seem subtle. However, they become more concerning when several appear at once or if they indicate a noticeable change from that person’s usual behavior.
How To Start the Conversation Without Making It Worse
If you’ve noticed warning signs of suicide in someone you know, one of the most important things you can do is start a conversation. Ask them how they’re doing, what’s been on their mind, and how they are feeling. Reaching out first can make a big difference when a friend or family member is struggling emotionally.
- Don’t be afraid to ask them directly about suicide. Asking about suicide doesn’t plant the idea in their head or make it more likely to happen. In reality, an open and caring conversation with them will make talking about a difficult subject easier and also lessen some of the shame or guilt they may be feeling.
- If you feel worried, anxious, or unsure about what to say, that’s okay. Showing genuine concern can help someone feel more connected when they otherwise feel alone and isolated. This sense of connection is especially important for someone who is struggling.
Related: How to Talk About Mental Health
Immediate Steps To Take if You Believe Someone Is at Risk
If you believe that someone is at risk of suicide:
- Do not wait to see if things will get better on their own. This can be dangerous. Waiting and hoping that things improve is risky since a person’s emotional state can quickly change and suicidal thoughts can become more intense without warning.
- Stay with them and listen calmly to what they have to say.
- Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. If they say that they may hurt themselves soon, do not leave them alone.
- Secure or remove potential lethal items from the environment, including sharp objects, firearms, and prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- Get emergency help. If someone has a specific plan to end their life or the danger feels immediate, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency department. Getting help and acting now can help keep them safe.
Related: Suicide Prevention: Navigating Thoughts and Available Resources
You don’t have to handle this moment on your own. Clear Behavioral Health can connect you or your loved one with professional support, right when it’s needed.
How CBH’s Residential and Outpatient Programs Support People in Crisis
Living with depression or suicidal thoughts can feel heavy and isolating. When mental health challenges become difficult to manage, Clear Behavioral Health offers treatment programs to provide professional support. Our mental health residential and outpatient mental health programs are designed for clients who need an elevated level of structured care and support to meet their needs, stabilize their symptoms, and begin the path towards recovery.
We know that a person’s journey towards better mental health doesn’t end once they complete one of our programs. Aftercare is an important aspect of treatment and is designed to help support you (and your loved ones) as you ease back into your regular routine. We are dedicated to keeping all of our clients and their families connected and supported throughout this process.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Clear Behavioral Health to speak with one of our mental health experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs of suicide?
Five key warning signs to look out for include talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from others, feeling hopeless, major changes in appetite or sleep, and giving away prized possessions.
How can you tell if someone is suicidal?
Someone who is suicidal may exhibit emotional, verbal, or action-based red flags indicating they are going to harm themselves. They may talk about death, seem persistently depressed, have significant changes in behavior, become very reckless, or have extreme mood swings.
What behaviors can indicate suicide risk?
Behaviors include isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much (or too little), giving away important possessions, and visiting or calling people to say “goodbye.”
What are the risk factors for suicide?
Suicide risk factors can include a previous suicide attempt, family history of suicide, mental health conditions, substance use, physical health problems, major life changes like divorce, bullying at school, and stress. Teens and young adults can be especially vulnerable to these risk factors during periods of change.
What should you do if someone is suicidal?
If someone is suicidal, stay with them and encourage them to talk about what they are going through. If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
When are suicidal thoughts an emergency?
Suicidal thoughts are an emergency if they have a plan to harm themselves, have already begun to carry out the plan, or are in a situation in which they cannot keep themselves safe.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Warning signs of suicide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 4, 2026, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide
- American Psychological Association. (2024, February 13). Suicide warning signs. https://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/signs
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (n.d.). Warning signs of suicide. Education Development Center. Retrieved September 4, 2026, from https://sprc.org/warning-signs-of-suicide/