Depression and suicide have many common warning signs
If your son or daughter shows one or more of the following behaviors, you should pay attention:
- Sadness or anxiety
- Feelings of guilt, helplessness, or hopelessness
- Trouble eating or sleeping
- Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Anger
- Excessive irritability
- Excessive impulsivity
In particular, the following are emergency warning signs for potential suicide:
- Talking openly about committing suicide
- Talking indirectly about "wanting out" or "ending it all"
- Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
- Giving away personal possessions
The national suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK
