World Suicide Prevention Day: How to identify early warning signs of suicide in children and adults?

Recognizing early signs of suicidal thoughts can save lives—here’s what to watch for in children and adults. (Image: Pexels)

Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being, yet it remains one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare. Every year, suicide claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide. Tragically, many of these deaths could be prevented if early warning signs were recognized and addressed in time.

Warning signs of emotional distress may look different in children and teenagers compared to adults, but the underlying plea for help is the same. While some are obvious signs such as talking about dying, others can be more subtle, like withdrawing from social activities or behaving in unexpected ways. Those close to the individual — friends, family, and caregivers — can provide an important resource as an empathetic listener.

Dr Ananya Rawat, Consultant Psychiatrist, Healthcare Global, Surat shares the prominent warning alarms for suicide in children and adults.

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Sudden Withdrawal and Isolation

One of the more typical red flags is withdrawing from social interactions. Children may begin to refuse to play with friends, spend time with family, or go to school. They are apt to avoid social events and distance themselves from loved ones. It is a kind of isolation that is more a reflection of hopelessness and despair.

Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness

Statements such as “Nothing matters anymore” or “I don’t see a way out” should never be dismissed. Children and adults can express such thoughts in words or writing (in letters or journals). Hopelessness is a powerful predictor of suicidal behaviours and it commands immediate intervention.

Mood Swings or Change in Behaviour

Significant character changes, such as them suddenly becoming agitated or causing a scene, followed by being unusually calm (after a bout of depression) can be a sign of a struggle on the inside. Kids might have meltdowns all the time and grown-ups may do stupid things. These adjustments frequently denote a determination to act on thoughts of suicide.

Distributing Some Possessions, or Locking Down Final Arrangements

The moment people start donating personal possessions, handwriting goodbye letters, or talking about funeral plans, it is a red alert. Even children sometimes display these kinds of behaviours, such as by giving their favourite toys away or talking about death to an unusual extent.

Eating and Sleeping Pattern Changes

Severe agitation or restlessness, disrupted sleep patterns, insomnia or sleeping all the time, extreme changes in appetite can all be signs of profound emotional distress. In children, chronic nightmares or a refusal to eat, for example, might indicate, as in Forbush’s practice, an underlying anxiety and depressive thoughts.

Increased Risk-Taking Behaviour

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As adults, these people may drive dangerously, abuse substances or have unsafe sex. Teenagers might display comparable behaviour, often with a deterioration in school work. These actions are considered not taking care of oneself and it is an unsafe sign that should be dealt with.

Talking About Death or Suicide

Any reference to self-harm, I want to kill myself, killing oneself etc whether in real life or in jest should never be taken lightly. Children may use phrases like “I wish I could disappear,” while parents may talk more bluntly about ending their life. Do not ever let these comments be dismissed.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.