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How do I know when to take a suicide threat seriously? Are there any common warning signs?

If someone threatens to attempt suicide, always take the threat seriously. The person’s life may be in danger and you must act right away. Their safety is more important than their comfort. Call 911 or the emergency service in your country immediately if someone threatens to hurt or kill themselves or if they are searching for ways to kill themselves. If you are both safe, start talking to the person and try to persuade them to call a family member or their bishop, get professional help, or call a crisis helpline. Visit Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org) to find a helpline in your area.

While suicide is a complex issue and there is no single cause, you may save a life if you learn to recognize some common warning signs, including:

  • Talking about wanting to die or killing themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a weapon
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs
  • Giving away personal items for no reason
  • Acting anxious or agitated or behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings (see National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

Church and Community Resources

(Some of the resources listed below are not created, maintained, or controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While these materials are intended to serve as additional resources, the Church does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with its doctrines and teachings.)