Resources | Suicide Prevention Services

Know the Warning Signs
& How to Get Help

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If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs listed below, please call us immediately— even if you’re not sure.

While some suicides occur without warning, most people who die of suicide show two or more of the following warning signs within two months of their death.

Statements or Threats of Suicide (Direct or Hinting)

This may seem obvious but these comments are oftentimes ignored. People may think threats of suicide are bids for attention. It is important to take these statements seriously because people who talk about suicide are asking for someone to listen and help
Preoccupation with death and/or hopelessness

Suicidal people may talk about death more than usual, may make statements like “I wish I were dead” or “this would be so much easier if I was gone.” This may also come out in art or journaling.
Drug and Alcohol Use

One half of people who kill themselves are intoxicated at the time of their death. This risk increases to 80% among teens and young adults under age 25.
Giving Away Prized Possessions

In preparation for their death, some people give away pets, family heirlooms, and other important possessions to family and friends.
Saying Goodbye

Many people make amends and say their goodbyes to family, friends, and loved ones.
Increased Isolation

When people feel suicidal, they often isolate themselves—not returning phone calls, going out, being social, or participating in activities they used to enjoy.
Extreme Changes

Mood—increased hopelessness, anxiety, anger, or the sense of being overwhelmed Personality—the person seems different or withdrawn Activity level—obvious decrease or increase in activity Appetite—eating too much or too little Sleep patterns—sleeping too much or too little.
Physical Health Complaints

Emotional distress can show up in bodily complaints. People who are very stressed or suicidal may experience headaches, lack of sleep or appetite, muscle aches, joint issues, back pain, stomach problems, and other physical conditions.
Self Injury (Unexplained cuts/burns, frequent "accidents", etc.)

Self-injury by itself is usually not a suicide attempt. It is, however, a sign that someone is going through a lot of emotional pain and needs some help and support. Suicidal thoughts may or may not be present. As with suicide, there is a lot of shame and fear of being rejected or thought “crazy” around self-harm. It is very important to be open, supportive, and willing to ask and talk about self-harm with the person in a nonjudgmental way.
Sudden Mood Elevation

This warning sign is difficult to recognize as it may appear that the person of concern is feeling better and coming out of a crisis. In fact, the opposite may be true. People who suddenly become happy after feeling sad and isolated are at higher risk for suicide. It is easier to prepare for and carry out a suicide plan when a person has more energy.

For information about other services in the community,
give us a call—we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You don’t need to be suicidal to call.

Statements or Threats of Suicide (Direct or Hinting)

This may seem obvious but these comments are oftentimes ignored. People may think threats of suicide are bids for attention. It is important to take these statements seriously because people who talk about suicide are asking for someone to listen and help
Preoccupation with death and/or hopelessness

Suicidal people may talk about death more than usual, may make statements like “I wish I were dead” or “this would be so much easier if I was gone.” This may also come out in art or journaling.
Drug and Alcohol Use

One half of people who kill themselves are intoxicated at the time of their death. This risk increases to 80% among teens and young adults under age 25.
Giving Away Prized Possessions

In preparation for their death, some people give away pets, family heirlooms, and other important possessions to family and friends.
Saying Goodbye

Many people make amends and say their goodbyes to family, friends, and loved ones.
Increased Isolation

When people feel suicidal, they often isolate themselves—not returning phone calls, going out, being social, or participating in activities they used to enjoy.
Extreme Changes

Mood—increased hopelessness, anxiety, anger, or the sense of being overwhelmed Personality—the person seems different or withdrawn Activity level—obvious decrease or increase in activity Appetite—eating too much or too little Sleep patterns—sleeping too much or too little.
Physical Health Complaints

Emotional distress can show up in bodily complaints. People who are very stressed or suicidal may experience headaches, lack of sleep or appetite, muscle aches, joint issues, back pain, stomach problems, and other physical conditions.
Self Injury (Unexplained cuts/burns, frequent "accidents", etc.)

Self-injury by itself is usually not a suicide attempt. It is, however, a sign that someone is going through a lot of emotional pain and needs some help and support. Suicidal thoughts may or may not be present. As with suicide, there is a lot of shame and fear of being rejected or thought “crazy” around self-harm. It is very important to be open, supportive, and willing to ask and talk about self-harm with the person in a nonjudgmental way.
Sudden Mood Elevation

This warning sign is difficult to recognize as it may appear that the person of concern is feeling better and coming out of a crisis. In fact, the opposite may be true. People who suddenly become happy after feeling sad and isolated are at higher risk for suicide. It is easier to prepare for and carry out a suicide plan when a person has more energy.

Warning Signs

Getting Help

For more information on warning signs, visit suicideispreventable.org.

Printable Resources

SPS Youth - English & Spanish

SPS Adult - English & Spanish

We will also mail you printed copies of these brochures and our English/Spanish STOP Suicide cards. To request your copies, call 831-459-9373 or email sps24hr@fsa-cc.org. Be sure to include your mailing address and the number of copies you require.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Tips for Peers

Spanish Preventing Youth Suicide

Know the Risk Factors

Know The Signs - Handout

Tips for Parents and Educators

Know the Warning Signs

Preventing Suicide at Work

24-Hour Suicide Crisis Line
Call: 988
Serving Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties for over 50 years

Calls to the Suicide Crisis Line are confidential, but we are required to report to outside agencies and/or get additional help in certain situations, including immediate risk of suicide or homicide and minor, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

Las llamadas a Suicide Crisis Line son confidenciales, pero estamos obligados a informar a agencias exteriores y de obtener ayuda adicional en ciertas situaciones, incluyendo riesgo inmediato de suicidio u homicidio al igual que abuso o descuido/abandono de algún menor, anciano y/ó un adulto dependiente.

Know the Warning Signs & How to Get Help

For more information on warning signs, visit suicideispreventable.org.

Printable Resources

Know the Warning Signs
& How to Get Help