Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide
Knowing how to spot them means being able to act in time
Our team offers you this handy tool, ready to be displayed or distributed within your organization.
This poster, available for download as a PDF, can be printed and used as a visual aid to help recognize the warning signs of suicide—whether emotional, cognitive, behavioural, or verbal—and to remind people of the resources they can contact to take action in a timely manner.
The warning signs of suicide often go unnoticed, or people hesitate to take them seriously for fear of being wrong. However, knowing how to recognize them allows us to take action in time. A change in mood, a sudden withdrawal, a remark like “you’d be better off without me”—these clues deserve our attention, and we should have the courage to ask questions.
A simple conversation can make a big difference.
Stay alert and don’t hesitate to reach out.
Please note: The presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that a person is thinking about suicide. Many of these signs may also be related to other challenges, such as stress, fatigue, or a difficult period in life. What should be of particular concern is a marked change in a person’s usual behavior, or the presence of several signs at the same time.
When in doubt, it’s always best to check in. Don’t hesitate to address the issue directly with the person, in a caring and nonjudgmental way. Contrary to popular belief, talking about suicide does not encourage someone to act on those thoughts; on the contrary, it can bring relief and open the door to help. Offer your support and direct them to available resources, such as 988, 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553), or your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Emotional Signs
- Symptoms of Depression
- Irritability
- Mood Changes
- Displays of anger
- Anxiety
- False beliefs
Cognitive Signs
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sudden incoherence and confusion
in speech - Rumination on difficulties
- Lack of motivation
- Memory loss
Behavioral Signs
- Changes in behaviour
- Giving away personal belongings
- Farewell letter or message
- Sudden interest in suicide and its methods
- Isolation
- Sudden calm after a period of distress
- Neglected appearance
Direct and indirect verbal messages
- “I want to end my life”
- “I’m going to kill myself”
- “I’ve lost the will to live.”
- “Life isn’t worth living anymore”
- “I’ll never get through this.”
- “You’d be better off without me.”
- “Soon, you’ll finally have some peace.”
Suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility. You don't have to be an expert to make a difference: simply being there, listening without judging, and connecting someone with the right resources is often enough to open a door.
Are you worried about a coworker, a loved one, or yourself? Our mental health professionals are here to support you, in complete confidentiality.
Available resources
In Quebec
- 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553)
- Text 535353
- Suicide.ca
In Canada
- 988 (call or text)
Sources
Association québécoise de prévention du suicide. (s. d.). Les signes avant-coureurs du suicide. Suicide.ca.
https://suicide.ca/fr/parlons-suicide/sinformer-sur-le-suicide/signe-avant-coureur-du-suicide