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Warning Messages, Words and Actions

These warnings give you and others time to send messages

Overview

Here are some examples of what people have said before attempting suicide.

1. "There is no hope" Phrases

These phrases indicate that the person feels they have run out of options and that the future is bleak.

"I can't see any way out of this."
"What's the point? It's never going to get better."
"I'm just so tired of everything."
"There's no light at the end of the tunnel."
"I've tried everything, and nothing works."

2. "I am a burden" Phrases

A common driver for suicide is the belief that others would be better off without them. This is one of the most significant warning signs.

"You'd be better off without me."
"I'm just a drain on everyone."
"I'm sorry for being such a problem for you."
"Everyone would be happier if I wasn't here."
"I just want to stop being a burden."
"You won't have to worry about me much longer"

3. "Feeling alone and unwanted" Phrases (if new in their contacts)

"No one would even notice if I wasn't here."
"I could disappear tomorrow and it wouldn't change anyone's day."
"I'm always the one reaching out; no one reaches out to me."
"I just don't fit in anywhere."
"I don't belong here."
"No one really knows me."
"Everyone leaves eventually."

4. The "Death Wish" Phrases

These phrases express a desire to be dead without mentioning the act of suicide itself.

"I wish I could just go to sleep and not wake up."
"I wish I hadn't been born."
"I hope a bus hits me today."
"I'm not sure how much longer I can do this."
"I'm just waiting for the end."

5. The "Gifts, Thanks or Goodbye" Phrases

These are often used in the days or weeks before an attempt when a person is starting to "settle their affairs.", tidy up, prepare papers etc.

"I want you to have [item], I don't need it anymore."
"Thanks for everything you've done for me." (When it feels like a final "thank you").
"I'm going away for a long time." (When no travel is planned).
Unusual contacts, phrases with unusual intensity

6. Pretend Humour Phrases

Many people use dark humour to "test the waters." If they get a negative or dismissive reaction, they can play it off as "just a joke."

"I think I'll just go end it all, haha."
"If [event] happens, I'm ending it."
"Is it even worth staying alive?"
"It won't matter soon anyway."

7. Also Very Worrying Behaviours if recent

Tidying up their life…papers, contacts, houses, insurances, Wills etc
A previous suicide attempt in recent weeks or months
Access to lethal means of suicide
Impulsive actions under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Giving away personal possessions
Sudden avoidance of friends, family, colleagues
Sudden calmness after being very distressed (they may feel they have found a way to stop their pain)
"Terminal malignant alienation"….where you may be the last person left for them and they start fighting with you also
The first day to week after discharge from inpatient mental health treatment
The early stages of recovery from suicidal depression (the paralysis of action lifts before the pain lifts)

How to Respond:

Our messages can help for low to moderate risk, especially if lots of people join you in sending messages. Our Help Choose section will guide you if you wish. If you feel for any reason the risk is too stressful or high, get support and advice for you from an expert through our Crisis section.

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Warning Messages, Words and Actions - MessagesHelp.org