Suicide attempts by teens usually don’t happen without some signs that indicate something is wrong. So be alert to early clues, signals and intentions—even after it seems the worst is over a person can still have made the decision to commit suicide. Take attempts and fatalistic statements seriously. (Remember, accidents do happen!)

Here is a general list of behaviors that have warning messages:

• Starting to throw away or give away special possessions (this is a way of saying goodbye—of making final arrangements)
• Sudden changes in eating or sleeping
• Lapses of attention and concentration (daydreaming all the time—living in a world of fantasy and not paying attention to what is going on around them)
• Marked changes in personality (e.g. anxious, moody)
• Explosive outbursts
• No longer concerned about appearance
• Recent rejections from friends or social clubs
• Social withdrawal (and may spend hour after hour listening to music—anything that keeps them from thinking too much or feeling too much)
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Unexplained, significant drop in school or other work responsibilities
• Unexplained cheerfulness after prolonged depression
• Engaging in dangerous or illegal activities (drug or alcohol abuse [trying to escape their feelings], running away)
• Possession of dangerous weapons
• Making verbal threats of suicide (“Everyone would be better off without me.”)

If you know someone who is showing one or more of the above signs, s/he is probably struggling with a serious problem—do something (don’t shy away because you think they are just trying to get attention). Don’t be afraid to talk openly about your concerns.

Isn’t it better to be wrong than to not do anything at all?

In my next Blog I’ll talk about how you can approach a potentially suicidal teen.

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
Read an excerpt now
TV Shows and Clips about the Death of Cindy James