Look for warning signs

You can't always tell when a loved one or friend is considering suicide. But here are some common signs:

• Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
• Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
• Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
• Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
• Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
• Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
• Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
• Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
• Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
• Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above