Eight out of every ten suicidal individuals give indications of their suicidal intent before making an attempt. One of the following signs does not necessarily mean that a person will act out in a self-destructive manner. However, several of these signs together may indicate that a person is having thoughts about suicide.

- Talking, writing, or joking about suicide or death.

Ex: stories, poems, suicide notes. Verbalizations such as:
"You'll be sorry when I'm gone" or "I wish I were dead"
"You won't be seeing me much longer" or "I hate my life."

- Giving away prized possessions: records, jewelry, car, pet, etc.

- Making final arrangements:

writing a will, making peace with enemies
cleaning out one's closet or locker
refusal to make long range plans, planning one 's funeral
suddenly resigning from a club, church group, employment

- Depressive Symptoms:

changes in appetite or sleep patterns
crying spells, poor concentration
withdrawal from family/friends
low energy level, feeling worthless, sad

- Sudden, unexplained recovery from a profound depression

recovery is usually because they have made the decision to suicide and a huge pressure is lifted from their shoulders

- Marked feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness:

feeling there is nothing that they or anyone else could do to make them feel better.

- Risk-taking behavior:

playing with guns or knives, initiating physical fights
driving recklessly or while intoxicated
alcohol/drug abuse, accident proneness
dare devil behaviors ("Evil Knievil" stunts)

- Self-mutilating behavior:

cutting, burning or beating oneself
anorexia, bulimia

- Marked change in behavior:

a non-drinker Starts drinking heavily, extrovert becomes withdrawn
an introvert becomes the "life of the party."

- Organizing a plan or gathering the means:

getting a gun, stocking up on medicines

- Previous suicide attempts:

especially within the last 3 months or evidence of attempts: bruises, cuts

- Anxiety over impending or anticipated discipline:

fear of going to jail/being sentenced
losing one's job
losing social status
dismissal from club, activity, sport
punished by parents or school personnel
losing loved one

Low risk suicide:

no or vague plans
time frame unspecified.

Medium risk:

some plans
time frame greater than 24 hours.

High risk:

detailed plan
means available
time frame less than 24 hours

Immediate high risk:

detailed plan
means readily available
attempt imminent or in progress