What are the warning signs?

Most people who feel suicidal don't really want to die, they just want their pain to end. With professional help, this pain can be eased, but to a suicidal person, it seems like they can never be cured and the best option for them is to end it all.

There are some warning signs to look out for, which may indicate that someone is having thoughts of suicide.

• Sudden changes in their usual pattern of relating to others
• Withdrawing from family and friends and wanting to be left alone
• Not wanting to be touched
• Loss of humour or unusual change to acting the clown
• Decline in school or other work, disinterest in studies or the future
• Apathy about dress or appearance and self neglect
• Changes that suggest depression or other mental health problems e.g changes in sleep patters, delusions or hallucinations
• Sudden happiness after lengthy periods of depression
• Making final arrangements, such as making a will,giving away prized possessions or organising their funeral
• Marked increase or decrease in weight
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Self harm such as cigarette burns or cutting oneself
• Loss of interest and enjoyment
• Marked tiredness
• Reduced concentration
• Reduced confidence and self-esteem
• Feeling of guilt and unworthiness
• Diminished appetite and libido