Thoughts of death or suicidal intentions

Young guy siting on the roof

DavidTB/Shutterstock

“It is fine to say ‘I’m having a bad day’ or a bad few days, but if your thoughts are interfering with function, or you are having thoughts that life is not worth living or that you can’t go on, you need to get professional help,” says Dr. Schwartz. According to the Jed Foundation, people who struggle with depressive disorders are at increased risk of having suicidal thoughts or impulses for suicide, and an estimated 2 to 15 percent of people who have major depression die by suicide. Some common signs of suicidal thoughts and behavior include talking about ending one’s life, withdrawal, changes in substance abuse, expression of guilt, and giving away personal possessions. People who are in a state of distress should reach out for help by seeing their primary care doctor or visiting various websites such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The National Suicide Prevention Life Line is not
just for people who are in a suicidal crisis, it can help them find a mental health professional,” says Dr. Schwartz. Don’t miss these 13 suicide warning signs.