According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., responsible for 48,824 deaths in 2024.1 While this statistic is alarming, the number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.
When someone is thinking about suicide, the things they say or do can give you clues that they’re at risk. Knowing how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and the difference between suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation is an important first step in helping someone you care about and supporting suicide prevention.
You don’t have to face a mental health crisis alone. If you need immediate help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. A trained counselor can speak with you and help you find additional support.
Ready to take the first step toward healing? Reach out to Neuro Wellness Spa today to book an appointment with our compassionate therapy and psychiatry teams.
What Are Some Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideation?
It can be hard to tell if someone is suicidal or if they’re just going through a rough patch. Sometimes the two can look very similar. However, it’s important to never just assume that someone is having a “hard time.” The best way to tell the difference is to watch closely for changes in their behavior, what they say, and how they’re feeling, including signs of emotional distress. If you have any concerns at all, it’s always a good idea to ask them directly. Asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase someone’s risk, it opens the door for them to get help.
If someone is just going through a rough patch, it will usually only last a few weeks or months. Eventually, they’ll start to feel better after the situation improves or they’re able to work through their feelings with the support of friends or family. Over time, they’re able to process what happened and will start to feel (and act) more like themselves again.
Related: Understanding and Addressing Passive Suicidal Ideation
However, if someone is going through more than a rough patch, their demeanor and actions may change without any improvement. They may start to say things like “Everyone would just be better off without me” or “Things will never get better,” and may begin to talk about feeling hopeless or like a burden to the people around them.
If you’re worried about someone, it can be hard to know what to look out for. Some subtle warning signs that someone is struggling with feelings of suicide include:2
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding social situations more frequently and isolating themselves from friends and family
- Declining occupational performance: Seeming indifferent about slipping grades or work performance
- Decline in daily functioning: Giving up on things like their personal hygiene, regular sleeping patterns, or other good habits (like diet and exercise)
- Increased substance use: Using more alcohol or drugs.
- Extreme mood swings: Sudden shifts from despair to an unusual sense of calm
- Risky behavior: Driving recklessly, showing sudden anger, or engaging in other risky behavior
If you notice they’re becoming preoccupied with death, searching online for ways to harm themselves, writing a note, giving away prized possessions, or visiting friends or family members to say “goodbye,” these are also clear indications that something is wrong.
Our compassionate clinicians at Neuro Wellness Spa offer therapy and psychiatric care to help you through difficult mental health challenges. Reach out today to start your healing journey.
How Can These Signs Show Up Differently Depending on Age or Life Stage?
People of all ages can be at risk for suicide.3 However, the warning signs of suicide do not always look the same at every age.
- Young children may become more emotional or talk about death, even without fully knowing what it means.
- Teenagers may pull away from friends and lose interest in their favorite activities.
- Older adults may also stop doing things they enjoy, become withdrawn, and talk about being a burden to others.
Older Adults
According to the CDC, people ages 80 and older had the highest rate of suicide in 2024.1
Some of the reasons why older adults may experience suicidal thoughts include:
- Grief over losing loved ones
- Loss of self-sufficiency
- Chronic illness and pain
- Cognitive impairment
- Financial troubles
- A family history of suicide attempts or mental health conditions
Sometimes, warning signs of suicide in older adults are overlooked because they may look similar to those changes that come with aging, chronic illness, loss, or retirement. You should never dismiss changes in mood or behavior in an older adult.
When Is Therapy the Right Starting Point?
If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, but they aren’t in immediate danger, talk therapy can be a good starting point. During talk therapy, a person can speak openly about their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. During these sessions, they can work closely with their therapist to create a safety plan, practice positive coping skills, and build a support system to help them navigate life’s challenges.
Therapy can happen once a week or more frequently depending on someone’s needs. However, if you or someone you know is at serious risk of suicide right now, contact emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
When Symptoms Call for Psychiatric Evaluation and Possibly Medication
Sometimes mental health symptoms involving suicidal thoughts require more than just talk therapy for adequate treatment. A psychiatric evaluation may be necessary if these thoughts are becoming more intense or difficult to control.
During a visit with a psychiatrist, they will ask many questions regarding these thoughts and feelings. They will also conduct a more thorough evaluation, including asking about your mental health history and family history of mental health conditions.
Many people who experience suicidal thoughts also have a mental health condition.4 Your psychiatrist may conclude that an underlying mental health disorder like depression or anxiety is contributing to thoughts of suicide. If medication might help, your psychiatrist may prescribe it as part of a broader plan of mental health services.
It’s important to remember that medication will not instantly make suicidal thoughts disappear, and it should always be taken as directed.
What Ongoing Support Looks Like Once Treatment Starts
Treatment for suicidal thoughts does not end after someone’s first therapy or psychiatry appointment. Ongoing care is vital so that you can learn healthy coping skills and work through any challenges.
If you are taking medication, medication management can ensure your prescription is working as intended, or, if necessary, adjustments can be made.
The support of friends and family also plays a role in helping you get better. By staying connected and reaching out when you need help, a family member or friend can be there for you, especially if you begin to struggle.
Alexandria Schuller, LMFT, a therapist at Neuro Wellness Spa, often reminds clients that support doesn’t have to be complicated:
“You don’t have to have the perfect words. Being present, listening without judgment, and helping someone connect to support can make a difference.”
How Neuro Wellness Spa’s Therapy and Psychiatry Teams Can Help
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we understand the impact that your mental health can have on your life. We provide access to high-quality treatment programs and services tailored to your needs. Our therapy and psychiatry teams will work together to develop a treatment plan that provides you with the care you need to start feeling better, whether it’s therapy, medication, or both. We offer in-person and online psychiatry as well as in-person and online talk therapy so you can find the treatment that works for you and your schedule.
Once your mental health improves and you start to feel better, we will continue to provide the supportive care you need to help you stay on track and keep moving forward.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team at Neuro Wellness Spa is here to help you take the next step, whenever that feels right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Read through our FAQ for any questions you may have about the warning signs of suicide and treatment options, or give us a call today. We are here to answer your questions and support you or your loved one through their healing journey.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
Warning signs of suicide include talking about wanting to die, showing sudden changes in mood or behavior, and withdrawing from others.
How can you tell if someone is suicidal?
Watch for signs like talking about death, pulling away from loved ones, or feeling a sense of hopelessness. Giving away belongings and saying goodbye are also red flags.
What behaviors can indicate suicide risk?
Some behaviors include isolating from others, quitting favorite hobbies, and acting recklessly.
What are the risk factors for suicide?
Risk factors include depression, a previous suicide attempt, major life changes like divorce, and a history of abuse. Ongoing stress and bullying at school are additional risk factors, especially in teens.
What should you do if someone is suicidal?
Never ignore or brush off signs that someone is suicidal. Stay with them, listen to them without judgment, and reach for immediate help by calling 988 or 911.
When are suicidal thoughts an emergency?
Suicidal thoughts are an emergency when someone has a plan and intends to hurt themselves soon. In this situation, stay with that person and call 911.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14). Suicide data and statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/data/index.html
- American Psychological Association. (2024, February 13). Suicide warning signs. https://www.apa.org/topics/suicide/signs
- Frequently asked questions about suicide. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2025, December 12). Risk of suicide | NAMI. https://www.nami.org/co-occurring-conditions/risk-of-suicide/