ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
OTHER TOP REASONS PEOPLE TRY TO TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES
SUICIDE RISK FACTORS
SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS
5 ACTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP SOMEONE IN EMOTIONAL PAIN
100

An anxiety disorder that usually involves a constant feeling of anxiety or fear.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

100

The use of threat, force, coercion, or hurtful teasing  to abuse, aggressively dominate or intimidate either in person or online.

What is bullying?

100

The most common condition associated with suicide.

What is depression?

100

"I want to die." "I have no reason to live." "I'm a burden to others." "This pain is unbearable."

What are things people say that are warnings that they are at risk for suicide?

100

Step 1

What is ASKING?

“Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals  if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

200

A disorder causing feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities. It can lead to other problems and can decrease a person's ability to function.

What is Depression?

200

When a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, or dangerous event, making them feel anxious or stressed even when they are not in present danger.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

200

Anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorder.

What are other mental health conditions that increase a persons risk for suicide?

200

Increased use of alcohol or drugs, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, or looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods

Behaviors which indicate a person is at risk for suicide.

200

Step 2

What is KEEP THEM SAFE?

Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

300

An anxiety disorder that invoves an overwhelming, ongoing fear of being watched and/or judged by others.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

300

Illnesses associated with severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Signals include preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape.

What is an Eating Disorder?

300

Prolonged stress, stressful life events, and access to lethal means.

What are environmental risk factors for suicide?

300

Fatigue, sleeping to much or too little, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends.

What are behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change?

300

Step 3

What is BEING THERE?

Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide  may in fact reduce rather than increase  suicidal thoughts.

400

A disorder associated with changes in seasons, occurring during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

400

Neglect, abuse, family drug use, and domestic violence.

What are things that cause trauma to children and adolescents?

400

Childhood trauma, a family history of suicide, or a previous attempt.

What are historical risk factors for suicide?

400

Being apathetic, anxious, sad, irritable, humiliated or ashamed, angry or agitated, or exhibiting a sudden relief or improvement of these feelings?

Moods or feelings that people often display which are warning signs of suicide.

400

Step 4

What is HELPING THEM CONNECT:

You can  help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

You can also call the Crisis Line & Referral, Text 741741, or call/text 988.

500

A disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs (mania or “manic” episodes) to lows (depression or “depressive” episode).

What is Bipolar Disorder?

500

When someone feels that life lacks meaning and that life is characterized by negative experiences.

What is an existential crisis?

500

Serious physical health conditions, chronic pain, or traumatic brain injury.

Other health conditions that are risk factors for suicide.

500

The biggest myth about talking to someone who may be suicidal.

What is asking someone if they are thinking about suicide?

500

Step 5

What is STAYING CONNECTED?

Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.