Below are examples of clues people thinking of suicide often
give when they are feeling desperate and hopeless. One clue may or may not mean
a great deal, but any clue is worth exploring.
Direct Verbal
Clues
I’m going to kill
myself
I’m going to commit
suicide
I’m going to end it
all
I want to end it
all
Indirect Verbal
Clues
I’m tired of life
What’s the point of
going on?
My family would be
better off without me
Who cares if I’m
dead anyway?
I can’t go on
anymore
I’m so tired of it
all
I just want out
You would be better
off without me
Coded Verbal Clues
Soon I won’t be
around
You shouldn’t have
to take care of me any longer
Soon you won’t have
to worry about me anymore
Goodbye, I won’t be
here when you return
Situational Clues
Sudden rejection by
a loved one
Recent move
Death of spouse,
child, friend (especially by suicide or accident)
Diagnosis of
terminal illness
Flare up with
friend or relative
Behavioral Clues
Donating body to a
medical school
Purchasing a gun
Stockpiling pills
Putting personal
and business affairs in order
Making or changing
a will
Taking out
insurance or changing beneficiaries
Giving away money
and/or possessions
Changes in
behavior, especially episodes of screaming, hitting, throwing things, or
failure to get along with family, friends and peers
Suspicious behavior
– going out at odd times of the day or night – waving or kissing goodbye (if
not characteristic)
Sudden interest or
disinterest in church or religion
Scheduling a
doctor’s appointment for no apparent physical reason
Loss of physical
skills, general confusion or loss of understanding, judgment or memory
Conditions
Sometimes Associated with Suicidal Behavior
Depression or
hopelessness, particularly when accompanied by anxiety
Alcoholism
Drug abuse
Serious family
issues resulting in fights where there has been physical violence or threats
of violence
