Clues to Suicidal Thought

• Changes in personality, habits or attitudes
• Depression, sleep and appetite disruption, energy loss
• Impaired concentration or thinking
• Social withdrawal and isolation from friends and family
• Decline in academic performance
• Use of drugs and/or alcohol
• Deterioration and neglect of personal habits and hygiene
• Making preparations for death
• Less concern for own saftey and welfare
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

How You Can Help

• Listen and hear. Do not be judgemental or moralizing
• Be sensitive and supportive to person’s distress
• Do not be afraid to talk about suicide or use the word
• Take any suicidal statement/thoughts seriously, even if said in a calm voice. All threats and attempts should be taken seriously.
• Act definitively. Tell others even if this means breaking a confidence. Stay with the person until help arrives. If unsure what to do, do what will ensure the person’s safety.