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Suicide: Know the Signs

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can present in different ways. Some signs may be direct, while others can be subtle. Understanding these signs and possible life stressors can help you check in with someone in a supportive and respectful way.

 

                            

  • Know the signs
Check in with Yourself:
As you read the following information, be mindful of how this can make you feel. Please know that engaging in materials related to suicide can be difficult and may bring up unexpected or difficult thoughts and emotions. It can be important to pause and take a break. If you need to, please reach out to a friend, family member or trusted professional. You can also find support resources here. 
                          

Your Role in Suicide Prevention

Everyone at MRU plays a part in supporting one another by recognizing the potential warning signs of suicide. Suicide is the result of many complex factors and can be difficult to predict. You are not expected to be an expert, but you can be a bridge to resources that can help.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can present in different ways. Some signs may be direct, while others can be subtle.

 

Verbal Cues – Someone may talk about:

  • Wanting to die or disappear

  • Having no purpose in life

  • Feeling significant guilt or shame

  • Being a burden to others

  • Experiencing unbearable pain

 

Emotional Signs – Someone may feel:

  • Empty, hopeless, or helpless

  • Overwhelmed by emotional or physical pain

 
Behavioral Changes:

  • Making a plan or researching ways to die

  • Increasing withdrawal from friends and family

  • Saying goodbye, writing goodbye letters, or giving away meaningful items or pets

  • Engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior

  • Increasing substance use (alcohol, drugs)

  • Showing signs of extreme agitation

 

Situational and Life Stressors (Risk Factors):

  • Prior suicide attempts

  • Chronic physical or mental pain

  • Past or current trauma (e.g., violence, loss of a loved one to suicide)

  • Financial difficulties or unstable housing

How to Response

If you notice these warning signs, take the following steps. It is important to know that asking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide.

 

Ask Directly:

  • Express concern and describe the signs you are noticing

  • Ask open-ended questions to understand their situation

  • Validate their thoughts and emotions

  • Ask specifically about suicide

 

Get Support & Refer to Resources:

  • Ask about the support system they already have (friends, family, mentors, or professionals)

  • Encourage them to explore additional resources

 

In an Emergency: If someone has said or done something that makes you worried they may act on suicidal thoughts soon, call 911 and MRU Campus Security (403-440-5900) if you are on campus.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are many resources available for support.

 

Immediate Support:

  • 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline (Phone or Text 988)

  • Calgary Distress Center (Phone or Text: 403-266-HELP)

Full list of crisis resources here

                                             

Training and Workshops

Learn how to support those in crisis through specialized training programs.

 

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
                                              

References

This page was developed using information from: