• Prolonged periods of sadness, despair and hopelessness
• Increased irritability, anger or rage
• Increased isolation- withdrawal from family, friends, activities or poor performance in school
• Increased use of substances, problems with authority
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, giving away belongings or bizarre behavior
• Suicidal thoughts, actions or threats

Remember that although you do want to keep an eye out for these signs, they are only risk indicators- they don’t always mean that someone is suicidal.

• Remember that these feelings are not permanent and can pass, even when they feel like they won’t.
• Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings- if you are feeling worse, seek help.
• Place yourself around safe people you trust.
• Remove yourself from unsafe objects.
• Seek professional help!
• Remember that the TeenCentral Help page has a list of available resources and helplines.
• Call the National Suicide Hotline- the number is 1-800-273-TALK. Program it in your phone for emergencies!

• Let them know that these feelings are not permanent and can pass.
• Ask specifically if they are thinking of killing themselves.
• Stay with them- listen to them non-judgmentally.
• Remove unsafe objects.
• Encourage them to seek professional help- offer to go with them.
• Give them the number for the National Suicide Hotline- 1-800-273-TALK and encourage them to call.

• Don’t ignore how you feel- if you are having suicidal thoughts, don’t be afraid to seek help. These feelings can worsen quickly.
• Don’t ignore signs and symptoms in those you love and don’t shy away from talking about suicide, often the person who is feeling suicidal wants to talk but doesn’t know how. You will never put suicidal thoughts into someone’s head simply by talking about it.
• Don’t use guilt-remember that often a suicidal person already feels increased guilt.
• Don’t leave the person alone.