Warning Signs | Is Path WARM? | Protective Factors | Where to Go For Help




Signals vary and there is rarely one sign, but several.

A person is at imminent risk when the following occurs:

1. Putting affairs in order
2. Behaving recklessly
3. Changing moods dramatically
4. Discussing suicide
5. Talking about feeling worthless
6. Losing interest in life

OTHER BASIC SIGNS

• Giving away possessions
• Previous suicide attempt
• Change in eating pattern, such as significant weight change
• Change in sleeping pattern, such as insomnia or oversleeping
• Unwillingness or inability to communicate
• Depression
• Extreme or extended boredom
• Accident-prone (Carelessness)
• Unusual sadness, discouragement, and loneliness
• Talk of wanting to die
• Neglect of schoolwork, job responsibilities, and/ or personal appearance
• Family disruptions such as divorce, trauma, or losing a loved one
• Running away from home or truancy from school
• Confusion - inability to concentrate
• Chronic pain, panic, or anxiety
• Perfectionism
• Restlessness

An easy way to remember these warning signs is by remembering:


IS PATH WARM?

        
I       Ideation (thinking about suicide)
S       Substance abuse
P       Purposelessness
A       Anxiety       
T       Trapped        
H       Hopelessness       
W       Withdrawal        
A       Anger        
R       Recklessness        
M       Mood changes                               
        

Usually, there are four main protective factors:

1. being attached to others, such as family, peer groups, and school or work,
2. being committed to a person’s greater community such as organizations, community programs, and being a member of associations,
3. being involved in activities such as your job, school, and extra-curricular events, and
4. having a strong belief system that offers conventional morality and ways to foster respect for those around you.

If some of the above factors are present, a person is less likely to consider suicide as an option.





For immediate help, contact:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)

To contact an African-American physician in your area:
National Medical association physician locator service 1 (800) 662-0554

For more information on support systems, click here.