If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Understand Warning Signs
Mental health struggles don’t always show up in obvious or dramatic ways. Often, they appear as changes in how someone talks, behaves, or experiences their emotions. Learning to recognize these warning signs can help you respond with care and support—before distress escalates or feels overwhelming.
YOU MIGHT OBSERVE:
talk
It might surprise you, but people often talk about feeling suicidal. Listen for comments like "I have no reason to live," "I’m a burden," "I feel trapped," or "I’m in unbearable pain." Sometimes, they might even joke about ending their life.
Don’t brush these comments off. Instead, treat them as a chance to open up a conversation.
behavior
Changes in behavior are often a big red flag. If someone starts acting differently, check in with them. Maybe they’re using alcohol or substances more. They might have trouble sleeping—either too much or too little. Reckless actions, pulling away from favorite activities, or isolating from friends and family are also signs. They might even research ways to harm themselves or start giving away their things.
The key here is to notice any shift from what’s typical for that person.
mood
Keep an eye on their mood, too. Depression, anxiety, apathy, rage, irritability, impulsivity, and humiliation are common. While everyone has good and bad days, a noticeable change that seems out of character is worth paying attention to. For instance, if someone suddenly seems very upbeat after a period of depression, it could mean they’ve made a plan and feel relief about it.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always a good idea to start a conversation and ask how they’re doing.
When you begin to notice these changes, the next step is opening a caring, respectful conversation.