There are many warning signs that someone is contemplating suicide.

Responding to a fellow student

There are many warning signs that someone is contemplating suicide. Our textbook discusses several of those warning signs in Focus On, 17.2. Ideation is the first warning sign. Ideation is talking of hurting oneself, looking for ways to hurt oneself, or talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide (Corr et. al, 2019). Substance abuse is another warning sign of suicide. People who have substance abuse issues are six times more likely to commit suicide (Juergens & Hampton, 2021). Opiate use was found in 20% of all suicides in 2015 (Substance use, 2016). Alcohol use is also strongly correlated with suicides. In 2015, 22% of suicide deaths had blood alcohol content levels over the legal limit (Substance use, 2016). Warning signs of suicide also include feelings of anxiety, purposelessness, anger, and feeling trapped (Corr et. al, 2019). People who are contemplating suicide also tend to have dramatic mood swings, engage in reckless behaviors, and withdraw from family and friends (Corr et. al, 2019). More education is needed to help people know what behaviors to look for to help those who are contemplating suicide.