What are the immediate warning signs and risk factors for suicide?

• Preoccupation with death and suicidal thoughts.
• Engaging in activities that indicate an intent to leave life, such as saying goodbye to friends, making a will or writing a suicide note.
• Hearing voices commanding the person to take their life.
• Alcohol and substance use which can cause loss of judgement.
• Acute anxiety and insomnia which can cause agitation.
• Severe and/or unexpected loss, such as separation or job loss.

If you notice your loved one has any warning signs, please contact a crisis centre for support. To find a list of crisis centres, please visit sunnybrook.ca/gethelp. If you need help in an emergency, please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.