Suicide warning signs in teenagers—and what to do next
One sign alone does not diagnose a teenager. New, increasing, or concerning changes—especially after a painful event, loss, conflict, or major transition—deserve calm attention and a direct question about suicide.
If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
What you can do now
Take these steps in order.
1
If you notice concerning changes, ask directly about suicide.
2
Take threats, goodbye messages, and immediate danger seriously.
3
Contact 988 for guidance even when you are worried about someone else.
Words you can use
Copy, send, or say this:
“I have noticed some changes and I care about you. Are you thinking about suicide?”
Changes in speech
Talking about wanting to die
Feeling hopeless, trapped, in unbearable pain, ashamed, or like a burden
Giving away valued possessions or putting affairs in order
Taking dangerous risks
Sleeping or eating much more or less
Increasing alcohol or drug use
Changes in mood
Extreme mood swings
Marked anxiety, agitation, rage, guilt, or shame
A sudden shift in mood after severe distress
Changes adults may notice in teenagers
A teenager may show distress through withdrawal, irritability, changes in sleep or eating, falling participation, risky behavior, goodbye messages, or statements about hopelessness or being a burden. These changes can have many causes; they are reasons to ask and listen, not to diagnose or punish.
Friends may see posts, messages, jokes, searches, sudden goodbyes, or behavior adults have not seen. Do not spread screenshots or try to decide alone whether it is serious. Save enough information to show a trusted adult, tell them exactly what was said, and stay with the friend when it is safe to do so.
Look for change and combinations
A single sign does not diagnose someone. Pay particular attention when several changes appear together, are new or increasing, follow a painful event, or feel sharply out of character.
Warning signs are not the same as risk factors
Risk factors can shape vulnerability over time. Warning signs are observable changes that may suggest an emerging or immediate crisis. Neither should be treated as destiny.
When to act urgently
An active attempt, immediate physical danger, or urgent medical need requires emergency help. If a person says they are thinking about suicide, expresses a current intent to act, sends a goodbye message, or you cannot establish safety, stay with them and contact 988 or emergency services as appropriate.
What are the most important warning signs of suicide?
Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, saying goodbye, giving away valued possessions, withdrawing, taking dangerous risks, and new or increasing mood or behavior changes all deserve attention.
Does one warning sign mean someone is suicidal?
No single sign diagnoses a person. Pay close attention when changes are new, increasing, appear together, follow a painful event, or feel sharply out of character.
What should I say when I notice warning signs?
Name the change calmly and ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Then listen, stay present, and connect the person with support.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A licensed mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
Last editorial update
August 11, 2026
Review schedule
Initial qualified review required before broad promotion
Editorial status
Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A licensed mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page.
