•  Writing a suicide note.

•  Suicidal threats, gestures, or attempts.

•  Thoughts of suicide that don’t go away or occur often.

•  Depression.

•  Bipolar disorder.

•  Schizophrenia.

•  Grief. Loss of a loved one.

•  A side effect of some medicines. One is isotretinoin. This is prescribed for severe acne. Some antidepressants have this effect, too. This is more of a risk in the first days to the first month they are taken.

•  A family history of suicide or depression.

•  Money and relationship problems.

•  Increasing use of alcohol and/or drugs.

•  Withdrawing from others.

•  Showing rage or seeking revenge.

•  Behaving recklessly.

•  Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or in unbearable pain.

•  Emergency care.

•  Treating the mental and/or physical problems that lead to thoughts and attempts of suicide. Examples are bipolar disorder and depression.

•  Counseling.

•  Talking with family and friends often.

•  Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.

•  Let someone know. Talk to your doctor, a trusted family member, friend, or teacher. If it is hard for you to talk to someone, write your thoughts down. Let someone else read them.

•  Keep firearms, drugs, etc., away from persons at risk.

•  Take courses that teach problem solving, coping skills, and suicide awareness.

•  If you think the person is serious about suicide, get help. Watch and protect him or her until you get help. Keep the person talking. Ask questions such as, “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?”

•  Urge the person to call for help (e.g., his or her health care provider, a suicide prevention hotline, EMS, etc.) Make the call yourself if the person can’t or won’t.

•  Express concern. The person needs to know that someone cares. Most suicidal persons feel alone. Tell the person how much he or she means to you and others. Talk about reasons to stay alive. Don’t judge. The person needs someone to listen, not preach moral values.

•  Tell the person that depression and thinking about suicide can be treated. Urge him or her to get professional care. Offer help in seeking care.