Know the signs. Save a life.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2023 alone, more than 49,000 lives were lost, equal to one every 11 minutes. But these numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, a community.
Most people who consider suicide show invitations for help before they act. These signs may be verbal, emotional, or behavioral. They may be subtle, or they may come across as sudden or out of character. By learning to recognize these red flags and responding with compassion, each of us can play a role in preventing suicide and supporting people in crisis.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Just noticing and reaching out can be life-changing.
Common signs/invitations to help
If someone you know is showing one or more of these signs, especially if the behaviors are new, have increased, or seem linked to a painful event, loss, or change, don’t wait. These are invitations to reach out and offer support.
Verbal signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or not wanting to be alive
- Expressing hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Saying they feel like a burden to others
- Talking about unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Writing or posting messages that express despair or farewell
Emotional signs:
- Sudden mood swings—especially a shift from sadness to calm or relief
- Intense feelings of shame, guilt, or failure
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies or things they once enjoyed
- Deep sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness
Behavioral signs:
- Giving away prized possessions or making out a will
- Saying goodbye to people as if it were the last time
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Risky or reckless behaviors, like speeding or unsafe sex
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Avoiding responsibilities or neglecting personal hygiene
- Searching online for ways to die or acquiring lethal means
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone—help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 anytime, anywhere. Chat is also available by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.
