Know warning signs of potential suicidal thoughts, plans

EDMONTON – Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and Alberta Health Services (AHS) reminds Albertans that recognizing the risk factors and potential signs of suicidal thoughts is important and can be helpful in preventing death by suicide. 

In adults, warning signs of potential suicidal thoughts or plans include:

• Talking or writing about wanting to die or to hurt or kill themselves or someone else.
• Saying they feel hopeless, trapped, without purpose, in pain, or like they're a burden to others.
• Looking for ways to harm themselves. For example, they might buy a gun or stockpile medicines.
• Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs.
• Withdrawing from family, friends and activities.
• Seeming angry, grumpy, anxious or depressed.
• Eating or sleeping less or more than usual.
• Doing risky things, such as driving too fast.
• Giving away their belongings.

People can also be more at risk of suicide when they experience barriers accessing social and health services, mental illness, traumatic life events, family violence, discrimination or have a diagnosis of a serious physical illness. Talking about suicide is one of the most effective means of reducing stigma and supporting those in need.

Albertans are encouraged to use the REACH Pathway to help remember what you can do to support someone who is struggling:

• Recognize when someone is struggling.
• Engage in conversation and listen with empathy.
• Ask directly about suicidal thoughts and feelings.
• Connect to support and resources.
• Heal yourself by taking care of your own mental health.

Together, we can help prevent suicide by showing understanding and compassion and by encouraging people experiencing mental health challenges to reach out for support.

If you or somebody you know is struggling, there are resources to help:

• Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642.
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.
• Kids Help Phone: Visit: kidshelpphone.ca or call 1-800-668-6868.
• Indigenous Hope for Wellness Hotline Call: 1-855-242-3310.
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service: call 1-833-456-4566, visit crisisservicescanada.ca, or text 45645.
• National Trans Lifeline: Visit translifeline.org or call 1-877-330-6366.
• Learn more at MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
• Health Link 811.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.