Warning Signs of Depression & Suicide

We use the acronym FACT as a constant reminder of the warning signs to look for. Under each heading we listed some of the key signs to be aware of.

F – Feelings
A – Actions
C – Changes
T – Threats

Irritability/Anxiety
- A student is always on edge, angry, the smallest things set them off, or they are always "biting your head off".
- Everyday situations suddenly cause them a large amount of anxiety (going to school, doing homework, social situations, etc.).
Excessive fatigue
- A student never has any energy or motivation. They are always down. You can see this in their demeanor.
Feelings of worthlessness or self–hatred
- "I Hate" Attitude – A student is always talking about the things in their life that they hate.
- A student has a negative self–image and is always focusing on the things that are "wrong" with them

Poor performance in school
- "I Don’t Care" Attitude – A student no longer cares about the things that used to be important to them (grades, sports, music, etc.)
- When a person hurts, all they can focus on is the pain. They have a hard time concentrating on things like studying or practicing an instrument
Increased drug & alcohol use
- A student is trying to numb, mask, or run away from their pain.
Giving away personal or private possessions
- If a student has planned their suicide, they will give their things away for others to take care of for them.
- A student can hurt so bad that their possessions no longer matter to them
Excessive risk taking
- Adrenaline is a natural "upper". A student will engage in risky behavior in order to make themselves feel better.
- This is especially associated with guys because they have a harder time expressing their feelings.

Change in behavior or personality
- Any deviation, up or down, from what is typical for that person.
Change in eating habits
- A student could begin overeating or could stop eating altogether.
- You may not always see their eating habits, but you can see drastic changes in their weight.
Change in sleeping habits
- A student who is hurting could sleep all the time. They don’t want to wake up and face their pain.
- Some students when they hurt develop insomnia and can’t sleep at all.
Loss of interest in friends
- A student who is hurting will begin to isolate themselves. They are trying to push away those who care about them.

Verbalizing or fascination with death & dying
- Could be expressed through talking, poetry, music, drawing, writing, etc.
- Threats could be direct or indirect.