Watch for the following changes in behavior and activities:

• Making comments such as, “I wish I were dead,” or “I wish I hadn’t been born.”
• Withdrawing from activities, avoiding family and friends.
• Acting differently, changes in eating and sleeping habits, doing risky things that cause injury to self or others, and abusing drugs or alcohol.
• Giving away personal things and saying good-bye to people as if they won’t see them again.
• For no apparent reason, quickly changing from very sad to very happy.
• Feeling hopeless after a loved one’s death, a breakup with a girlfriend/boyfriend, a disagreement with a best friend, problems at school, being bullied, teen pregnancy, or a big disappointment.

The following are risk factors sometimes associated with completed suicide. It is important to note that risk factors are not predictors of suicide, but they become important when warning signs are apparent.

• Mental health disorders
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Substance use disorders
• Insomnia
• Traumatic brain injury
• Hopelessness
• History of trauma or abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Lack of social support
• Stigma associated with seeking help
• Exposure to other suicide deaths
• Easy access to lethal means
• Significant losses, e.g. relationship, job, etc.
• Barriers to accessing treatment for mental health or substance use disorder

• Strong connections to family and friends
• Strong connections to community support
• No access to highly lethal means
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Effective professional care for mental health and substance use disorders
• Easy access to different types of professional health
• Mental and medical health care relationship that are ongoing
• Being supported in seeking help

What to do when your child shows the warning signs of suicide:

• Don’t leave your child alone
• Explain, “I care about you, and I will get someone who will understand you and help you.” Do not make promises to keep this a secret. Do not criticize your child for feeling suicidal. Reassure them that you will do everything possible to keep them safe.
• Get help, either by calling the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline at 208-398-HELP (208-398-4357), calling 911 or taking your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Remove dangerous items (particularly guns and medications), or lock them in a safe place.
• Reassure them: “You are not alone.” “I care if you live.” “I will get you the help you need.”