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what are the warning signs?

Youth feel anxious, depressed or suicidal for many different reasons. Many young people blame themselves for all kinds of problems or conflicts they have with family, friends, or even in school. They start to believe that their families and/or the world would be much better off without them. It's much more helpful to figure out why they feel this way and find help rather than allowing them to continue to blame themselves or someone else.

If the warning signs below describe a youth you are concerned about – you need to assist them with receiving help. If you are not capable to talk through it with them, or feel that they are beyond advise and dialogue contact 911 immediately or Nineline, or have them do it with you.

Some warning signs include:

- Feelings of anxiety, loneliness, grief, anger or depression
- Talk of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife
- Impulsive and aggressive behavior; frequent expressions of rage
- Previous exposure to someone else that committed suicide
- Family loss, instability or a significant family conflict
- Recent stress (e.g. difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation; unplanned pregnancy or other significant real or impending loss)
- Reliance on drugs or alcohol

Also, things to look out for are sudden changes in ones behavior. Or if you know they just experienced a sudden or extreme change in their personal lives, it is a good idea to start paying closer attention to them, so you may notice any changes which may occur.