Suicide Prevention Health Center

The following are some of the symptoms you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be reason for concern:

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depressed mood, poor self esteem or guilt
• Not wanting to participate in family or social activities
• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns: too much or too little
• Feelings of anger, rage, need for revenge
• Feeling exhausted most of the time
• Trouble with concentration, problems academically or socially in school
• Feeling listless, irritable
• Regular and frequent crying
• Not taking care of yourself
• Reckless, impulsive behaviors
• Frequent physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches
   

What are some of the risk factors for suicide?

Risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group. They may occur in combination or change over time. Some important risk factors are:

• Depression and other mental disorders, substance-abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders)
• Prior suicide attempt
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence including physical or sexual abuse
• Firearms in the home
• Incarceration
• Exposure to suicidal behavior of others, such as family members or peers

However, it is important to note that many people who have these risk factors, are not suicidal.