1.2 Identify initial signs that a child, young person, or adult may be considering suicide

Summary

Recognising Signs: It’s essential to identify early signs of suicidal thoughts in children, young people, and adults, which can include emotional, behavioural, verbal, and physical indicators.
Emotional Indicators: Look for persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness, which may suggest someone is struggling internally.
Behavioural Changes: Withdrawal from social activities, changes in routine, and risky behaviours can signal distress and a potential crisis.
Offering Support: Initiate open conversations, encourage professional help, and provide emotional support. Creating a safety plan and checking in regularly can make a significant difference in someone’s wellbeing.

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Identify initial signs that a child, young person, or adult may be considering suicide.

Suicide is a serious issue that affects people of all ages. It can be challenging to recognise when someone is considering suicide, but acknowledging the signs is a critical step in providing help. This guide outlines the initial signs to watch for in children, young people, and adults.

Emotional Signs

Depression and Low Mood

A prolonged period of sadness is often a significant indicator.

Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest as constant worry or fear.

Restlessness
Feeling overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating

Irritability and Anger

Increased irritability can also be a sign.

Frequent outbursts
Easily frustrated
Turning anger inward

Behavioural Signs

Withdrawal

Withdrawing from social networks or activities is often a red flag.

Avoiding friends or family
Lack of participation in activities
Retreating to their room or a specific space

Change in Routine

Noticeable shifts in daily routines can signal distress.

Changes in sleeping patterns
Altered eating habits
Neglecting personal hygiene

Risk-Taking Behaviour

Engaging in riskier activities may indicate self-destructive thoughts.

Reckless driving
Substance misuse
Unprotected sex

Verbal Signs

Talking About Death

Expressions related to death or dying should be taken seriously.

Discussing wanting to die
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Expressing lack of reason to live

Saying Goodbye

Some individuals might give indirect farewells.

Saying goodbye to friends or family unexpectedly
Giving away possessions
Making sudden changes to wills or life plans

Physical Signs

Changes in Appearance

Physical appearance can reflect mental state.

Sudden weight loss or gain
Slumped posture
Decline in attention to personal grooming

Frequent Illness

Physical symptoms may manifest due to stress or anxiety.

Frequent headaches
Stomach issues
Chronic fatigue

Psychological Signs

Lack of Future Plans

A lack of interest in future goals or planning may indicate distress.

No enthusiasm for upcoming events
Indifference toward once-exciting prospects
Inability to envision a future

Detachment

Feeling disconnected from reality can occur.

Emotionally numb
Feeling outside oneself
Detachment from life’s events

Recognising Signs in Specific Age Groups

Children

Children may express distress differently.

Bedwetting or thumb-sucking
Unexplained tantrums
Drawing disturbing pictures

Adolescents

Look for these signs in young people.

Decline in academic performance
Frequent complaints of boredom
Sudden rebellious behaviour

Adults

Adult signs may appear as increased stress or difficulty coping.

Struggling with job performance
Increased conflicts in relationships
Dependence on alcohol or drugs

The Role of Social Influences

Social Media

Online interactions can provide clues.

Posting about loneliness or despair
Engaging in online discussions about death
Seeking validation from online communities

Peer Relationships

Changes in social circles can be telling.

Falling out with friends
Isolation from trusted peers
Associating with a new, potentially harmful group

How to Help

Initiate Conversation

Reach out and talk openly.

Express concern
Ask direct questions about their feelings
Listen without judgement

Encourage Professional Help

Guide them towards seeking help.

Suggest seeing a GP or therapist
Offer to assist with making appointments
Support them in attending sessions

Offer Emotional Support

Be there for them.

Regularly check in
Provide a supportive and loving environment
Help them feel understood and valued

Safety Planning

Help create a plan to ensure safety.

Identify triggers and coping strategies
Remove potential means of self-harm
Ensure they have crisis contacts

Final Thoughts

Recognising the initial signs that someone may be considering suicide allows you to take appropriate action. By understanding emotional, behavioural, verbal, and physical indicators, you can offer the necessary support and guide them towards help. Always take these signs seriously, and act to provide support and assistance.