Question

Concerned about the growing incidences of suicides among high school students, the school nurse conducts an awareness session for parents. What should the nurse say are warning signs associated with risk for suicide?

Answer 1

Warning signs include (but are not limited to):

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings