Warning Signs

If you are in crisis, dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut. 2-1-1 is certified by the American Association of Suicidology. If you live outside of Connecticut use the National Hopeline number which is 1-800-784-2433.

Warning signs are changes in a person's behavior, feelings and beliefs about oneself for a period of two weeks or longer and are considered to be maladaptive or out-of-character for the individual.

Early Warning Signs

• Difficulties in job/school
• Talking about suicide, death
• Depression
• Neglect of appearance
• Increased substance use
• Dropping out of activities
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Isolating oneself from others
• Feeling that life is meaningless
• Loss of interest in activities
• Hopelessness
• Restlessness and agitation
• Helplessness

Late Warning Signs

• Feelings of failure
• Sudden improvement in mood
• Overreaction to criticism
• Preoccupation with one's failures
• Overly self-critical
• Collecting means to kill oneself
• Anger and rage
• Making final arrangements
• Pessimism about life, the future
• Ending significant relationships
• Giving away possessions
• Inability to concentrate
• Having a suicide plan
• Preoccupation with death
• Taking unnecessary risks

Source: U.S. Public Health Services, The Surgeon General's Call To Action to Prevent Suicide, Department of Health and Human Services, © 1999