Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors Everyone Should Know [Infographic]

Mental health advocacy groups have shared warning signs and risk factors for suicide. Here’s what to look for in a loved one.

7:00 AM

Author | Kevin Joy

The warning signs before suicide aren't always clear, nor are they universal or from a single cause.

MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Still, across the board, mental health experts say certain behaviors shouldn't be ignored.

"Paying attention to suicide warning signs and responding with empathy and support is key to helping individuals get needed help," says Meg Jennings, LMSW, a social-work supervisor for Michigan Medicine.

If you think someone is in danger of committing suicide, don't leave them alone; call 911 immediately. And if you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Here are some signals that might indicate a person is in trouble:

More Articles About: Wellness & Prevention Mental Health Assessment Mental Illness Depression Mental Health
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of healthcare news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.
Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories woman in dark room holding head window blinds shadow on her
Health Lab
Depression too often gets deemed ‘hard to treat’ when medication falls short
A diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair in some patients, researchers say.
Health Lab
How to Help College Students Counteract Depression and Anxiety
The executive director of the U-M Depression Center talks about its mission to better equip young people to deal with the stresses of college life.
Health Lab
After ’13 Reasons Why,’ a Spotlight on Teen Suicide Warning Signs
Thirteen Reasons Why spotlights how teen suicidal behavior is complicated. Learn the warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts and how you can help.
 Health Lab Podcast in brackets with a background with a dark blue translucent layers over cells
Health Lab Podcast
A new pill for postpartum depression?
The fast-acting pill, paired with psychosocial treatment, offers a comprehensive treatment plan, but price concerns remain. Visit Health Lab to read the full story.
 woman listening to different shadow windows of people saying different things about kids
Health Lab
Parents of young kids increasingly turn to social media for parenting advice
A C.S. Mott Children's Hospital health poll found most mothers and over two-thirds of fathers of children ages 0-4 use social media for questions on topics like feeding and behavior challenges.
 physician talking to patient with lab researcher in background
Health Lab
Older adults left out of clinical research trials
Including older adults in research can be beneficial, explains a Michigan Medicine research, who says more should, and can be, done to have their insights.