Crisis Prevention

Warning Signs of Suicide

Here’s an Easy-to-Remember Mnemonic for the Warning Signs of Suicide: IS PATH WARM?

Ideation Expressed or communicated ideation threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself; and/or looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means; and/or talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary.

Substance Abuse Increased alcohol or drug use.

Purposelessness No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life, start giving things away because there’s no purpose in keeping anything, no reason to maintain their hygiene.

Anxiety Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time, difficulty concentrating.

Trapped Feeling trapped (like there’s no way out and things will never get better).

Hopelessness Feeling like the emotional pain will never end; no future orientation.

Withdrawal Withdrawal from friends, isolating from family and society.

Anger Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge, irritable.

Recklessness Acting reckless or engaging in high risk activities, seemingly without thinking, impulsive behavior (especially in younger people).

Mood Change Dramatic mood changes, flat affect, depressed mood, acting out of character.