- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
- Making a plan: seeking access to pills, guns, weapons, or other means, such as researching suicide methods online
Important: risk is greater if behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a perceived painful event, loss or change.