Flashing Your Hazard Lights: Suicide Prevention

Suicide Risk Factors

Suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and actions are expressions of the need for help. Most people who commit suicide suffer from depression or other mental disorders. Some risk factors include a history of physical or sexual abuse, a family history of emotional disorders, or prior attempts of suicide. There are numerous verbal and nonverbal warnings signs that come from a person considering suicide.

Verbal Signs

Direct statements such as “I want to die.”

Indirect statements such as “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.”

Writing poems, song, lyrics or diary entries that deal with death.

Suicide threats that are either direct or indirect.

Nonverbal or Behavioral Signs

An unusual obsession with death.

Withdrawal from friends.

Dramatic changes in personality, hygiene, or appearance.

Impulsive or irrational behavior.

Significant deterioration in school work or recreational performance.

Substance abuse.

Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away.

Giving away personal items.

Suicide Prevention

What should you do if you believe someone is at risk of committing suicide? In this interactivity, you will learn strategies to help prevent suicide, and how to help someone who is thinking about suicide. Click the player button to launch the interactivity.

View a printable version of the interactivity.

 

Suicide Prevention Review

Now that you have learned about Suicide Prevention, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player button to get started.