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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffTypical warning signs of suicide or suicidal thoughts include:
- Talking about suicide, including making such statements as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I was dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
- Securing the means to commit suicide, such as getting a gun or stockpiling pills
- Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
- Dramatic 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
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
- Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
- Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
- Developing personality changes, such as becoming very outgoing after being shy
Warning signs aren't always obvious, though. You may try to keep your suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.
Types of suicidal behavior
Suicide is actually a complex set of behaviors that exists on a continuum, from ideas to actions, including:
- Suicidal ideation. Having thoughts of harming or killing yourself.
- Suicidal behavior. Engaging in acts intended to cause your death, or acts that while unlikely to cause your death indicate that you're self-destructive or suicidal. These may include overdosing, reckless driving or excessive drinking.
- Suicide attempt. This is a nonfatal, self-inflicted destructive act that was intended to cause your own death.
- Parasuicide. This is an act that may resemble suicidal behavior but that isn't intended to cause your death. Such acts may include deliberately injuring yourself, such as cutting. Some people find these acts emotionally soothing. These acts may result in accidental death.
- Completed suicide. This is taking your own life.
It's important to understand the types of suicidal thoughts, behaviors and intent in order to get the appropriate type of treatment.
