Resources about Suicide and Getting Help

If you are considering suicide...

The last thing that most people expect is that they will run out of reasons to live. But if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you need to know that you’re not alone. By some estimates, as many as one in six people will become seriously suicidal at some point in their lives.  

Warning Signs of Suicide
The mnemonic IS PATH WARM? can be used to remember the warning signs of
suicide:

I Ideation
S Substance Abuse

P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness

W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood Change

A person in acute risk for suicidal behavior most often will show:

Warning Signs of Acute Risk:

• Threatening to hurt or kill him or herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him or herself; and/or,
• Looking for ways to kill him or herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means; and/or,
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary.

These might be remembered as expressed or communicated IDEATION. If observed, seek
help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK
(8255) for a referral.

Additional Warning Signs:

• Increased SUBSTANCE (alcohol or drug) use
• No reason for living; no sense of PURPOSE in life
• ANXIETY, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Feeling TRAPPED – like there’s no way out
• HOPELESSNESS
• WITHDRAWING from friends, family and society
• Rage, uncontrolled ANGER, seeking revenge
• Acting RECKLESS or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Dramatic MOOD change

If observed, seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling
1-800-273 TALK (8255) for a referral.

For more information and ways to get help visit the American Association of Suicidology's website here.