Am I or a friend at risk for suicide?
If you (or a friend) are concerned about being at risk for suicide
the following information will. Any of the following signs
are serious enough to reach out for help.
Most young people who are feeling depressed or desperate enough
to consider suicide give clues to how they're feeling.
Verbal Signs
- "I
want to kill myself."
- "I don't
want to be here anymore."
- "No one
understands me."
- "I can't
take it anymore."
- "Things
will never get better."
- "I'm tired
of being a burden to my friends and family."
- "No one
would miss me if I were gone."
- “ I’m not going to kill
myself, but I just can’t take it any more”
Physical Changes
- Losing
or gaining weight quickly
- Suddenly
not caring about appearances or cleanliness
- Unexplained
cuts, scrapes or bruises
- Appearing
tired all the time
Acting Differently
- Changes
in mood: more withdrawn, anxious or sad, or sudden mood lift
after a down period
- Changes in eating or sleeping
habits
- Suddenly
taking more risks: not taking prescribed medication, driving
drunk, ignoring physical limitations, having unprotected sex,
using more drugs or alcohol
- Loss of concentration
- Withdrawing from friends
and family
- Losing interest in things that used
to be enjoyed
- Not planning for the future
- Hurting oneself on purpose
- Thinking and talking about death a lot
- Unexplained good-byes or
unusual personal expressions
that have a sense of closure
Situations
- Recently
having lost a loved one, relationship or job
- Having
family troubles
- Having
questions or worries about being gay, bisexual or transgender
- Previous
suicide attempts
- Problems
in an important relationship
- Problems
at work or school
- Social isolation
If you have any of these concerns for yourself or a friend
talk to
a trusted adult, parent, or teacher. A parent, teacher, counselor,
religious leader, medical doctor, or someone who you know cares about
you and can help you get help. If you have any of the signs
of wanting to kill or hurt yourself please call:
Riverside
Emergency Services at 781 769-8674 Or 911 Right Away. 
