Commentary
- Direct suicide threats or comments such as, ” I wish I were dead,” “My family would be better off without me,” and “I have nothing to live for”
- A previous suicide attempt, no matter how minor. Four out of five people who commit suicide have made at least one previous attempt.
- Preoccupation with death in music, art, and personal writing
- Loss of family member, pet, or boy/girlfriend through death, suicide, abandonment, or break-up
- Family disruptions such as unemployment, serious illness, relocation, or divorce
- Disturbances in sleeping and eating habits and in personal hygiene
- Declining grades and lack of interest in school or hobbies that had previously been important
- Drastic changes in behavior patterns, such as quiet, shy person becoming extremely gregarious
- Pervasive sense of gloom, helplessness, and hopelessness
- Withdrawal from family members and friends, and feelings of alienation from other significant others
- Giving away prized possessions and otherwise “getting their affairs in order”
- Series of “accidents” or impulsive, risk-taking behavior