Warning Signs

Warning Signs

Warning signs are behaviors or statements indicating that an individual may be a serious risk for suicide or suicidal behaviors. More often that not, those individuals who are contemplating suicide will give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Hence, all suicide threats, gestures, and attempts must be taken seriously.

Should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following, get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting Campus Safety 206-296-5911 24 hours a day, CAPS at 206-296-6090 during office hours, or calling King County Crisis Clinic at 206-461-3222.

• Someone threatening to hurt or kill themselves, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill themselves
• Someone looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person

Should you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following, seek help AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Dramatic mood changes
• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life

If you are unable to call the contacts listed above during a crisis:

• Take the individual to an emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic
• Do not leave the person alone until professional help is with them
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.