Nonverbal Signs of Suicidal Depression: An Insight

Quick Take

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. In order to try and prevent more suicides occurring, it is helpful to be aware of the nonverbal signs of suicidal depression and to know what to do if you suspect someone is suicidal.

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Nonverbal Signs of Suicidal Depression

The majority of people who commit suicide suffer from major depression . It is found across all age ranges and is the fifth leading cause of death of children under the age of 15 and the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24 according to the American Foundation for Suicide.

Nonverbal Warning Signs of Suicidal Depression

Alcohol or other substance abuse
Reckless behaviors or purposefully putting oneself in dangerous situations such as driving recklessly, sexual promiscuity, playing Russian Roulette, hanging out of car windows while the car is in motion, and rock climbing without being secured properly
Lack of interest in hobbies, friends or activities
Running away
Missing school
Frequent crying
Isolation or extreme withdrawal: The person won’t come out of their bedroom, will avoid friends, and disappear into solitary activities such as books, the Internet, and video games
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion which can be seen by such behaviors as slow movement and speech, or difficulty concentrating or expressing thoughts
Extreme sensitivity to real or perceived rejection or failure
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
Significant weight loss or gain
Decline in grades at school
Anger and aggressive behaviors: Those who act out their depression through anger may be even more likely to contemplate suicide
Dropping hints: Leaving web browsers opened to searches on suicide or topics of death and dying; buying books or other media on these topics, and writing poems about death or suicide
Excessively clingy

Signs a Suicide Attempt May Be Imminent

Getting affairs in order including possibly making a will, paying off debts, making amends
Suddenly visiting friends and family in essence to say goodbye
Buying the means to commit suicide such as purchasing a firearm, a rope or hose, or large quantities of medicine at once or over a short time frame
Sudden and unexpected improvement in their mood such as becoming suddenly outgoing when previously they were shy
Sudden decline in their mood such as not leaving the house at all, not bathing, or eating or taking care of any of their basic needs
Increased anxiety or severe agitation becomes even more apparent
Giving away prized possessions or belongings such to a sibling, relative, or close friend
Engaging in self-injurious behaviors such as cutting and burning.

If you are concerned that someone may be suicidal, do not leave them alone. You can ask direct questions about their intent to kill themselves. Contrary to popular belief, this will not “put the idea in their head”. Also, remove any means of suicide from their possession and call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room or to their doctor.

If you are a child or teenager who suspects your friend is suicidal, get the help of a trusted adult immediately. For example, you can tell your school counselor, your own parent, or your friend’s parent. If you feel you have not been taken seriously, keep telling more adults in your life until someone does take you seriously.

Other resources include

The National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-Talk (8255)

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-Suicide (784-2433)