Title: Suicide ideation: Symptoms, causes, prevention, and resources
Headings: What are suicidal thoughts?
What are suicidal thoughts?
Symptoms
Causes
Prevention
Suicide prevention
Treatment
Reducing the risk
Where to get help
Statistics

Content: Symptoms
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If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255. People who are hard of hearing can call 800-799-4889. A person who experiences or could experience suicidal thoughts may show the following signs or symptoms: feeling or appearing to feel trapped or hopeless
feeling intolerable emotional pain
being preoccupied with violence, dying, or death
having mood shifts, either happy or sad
talking about revenge, guilt, or shame
experiencing agitation or a heightened state of anxiety
experiencing changes in personality, routine, or sleep patterns
increasing the use of drugs or alcohol
engaging in risky behavior, such as driving carelessly or taking drugs
getting their affairs in order and giving things away
getting hold of a gun or substances that could end a life
experiencing depression, panic attacks, or impaired concentration
isolating themselves
talking about being a burden to others
experiencing psychomotor agitation, such as pacing or wringing the hands
saying goodbye to others as though it were the last time
experiencing a loss of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities, such as eating, exercise, social interaction, or sex
expressing severe remorse and self-criticism
talking about suicide or dying
expressing regret about being alive or ever having been born
A significant number of people with suicide ideation keep their thoughts and feelings a secret and show no sign that anything is wrong. Learn more about the warning signs of suicide here. Causes
Suicide ideation can occur when a person feels that they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a debilitating illness or health condition. Some other common situations or life events that might cause suicidal thoughts include grief, sexual abuse, financial problems, remorse, rejection, and unemployment. The following risk factors
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may increase the chance of suicide ideation: