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Department of Psychiatry
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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.

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