Changes in someone's behavior or personality maybe a sign of having suicidal thoughts. These may include:

• Becoming anxious, restless, irritable or agitated
• Quiet and distant, avoid interacting with people, skipping classes, inability to concentrate or think
• Change of sleep patterns or mood swings
• Change in appearance (e.g. Less concerned with appearance and hygiene)
• Saying negative comments towards themselves
• Signs of depression (e.g. Low mood, low energy, lack of motivation)
• Self-harm behaviors 
  • How to observe? 
    • Unexpected cuts and bruises - Usually on wrists, arms, or thighs
    • Keeping themselves fully covered, even in hot weather
    • Pulling out their hair

The following may suggest that they are thinking about attempting suicide or already have a plan:

• Suicide notes and plans (including online postings)
• Making final arrangements (e.g., Making funeral arrangements, writing a will, giving away prized possessions)
• History of prior suicidal attempt
• Spontaneous acts of affection (e.g. Saying “I love you” out of the blue), saying goodbye or last words as if they were leaving

Things you may hear:

• “The world would be a better place without me”
• “It would be easier if everything just ended”
• “I wish I could fall asleep and never woke up again”
• “I hope I get hit by a car” 
• “I am a burden / failure”, “Nobody will miss me anyway.”
• “There is no hope for me anymore”
• “I feel tired of living another day”

Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognise the warning signs and take immediate action to keep the youth safe. 

• Remain calm through the conversation
• Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide (e.g., "Are you thinking of suicide?")
• Listen to their feelings with non-judgemental attitudes, and do not judge. Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever
• If you feel that the youth or your peer has a plan, do not leave them alone, provide constant supervision and seek help from an adult, school social worker, or even then police

Reminder: No one should ever agree to keep a youth's suicidal thoughts a secret and instead should tell an appropriate caregiving adults, such as a parent, teacher, or school social worker / counsellor. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to a school-employed mental health professional or administrator.

Protective Factors

The presence of protective factors can lessen the potential risks of suicidal ideation and behaviors. These include:

• Strong social support network, including friends, family and from the community
• Environments and space that promotes healthy living and normalises mental health conversation
• Equipped with healthy coping behaviors, e.g. regular routine, journaling, reaching out when needed, establishing healthy boundaries; and other life skills, such as problem-solving skills, time management, conflict resolution skills

• Provide a safe space for your peers to be themselves
• Do not be afraid to talk to your friends. 
• Listen to their feelings and let them know you are here for them 
• Tell a trusted adult. Don’t promise that you will keep their thoughts a secret, but don’t go behind their backs and tell someone else. Let them know you will tell a trusted adult as you are worried for their safety and this adult can provide further support
• Be aware of the resources available in school. E.g. know who the school social worker / counselor is, what hotlines you can call

Always listen and take them seriously

• If someone does tell you they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. Try to listen with patience and without distractions.
• You are not there to fix their problems and find solutions. Just be there and encourage them to talk about how they are feeling 

Arrange to speak to them again

• Arrange to speak to them again at a specific time. This will show your ongoing support and will make them feel valued.

Simple gestures are also beneficial

• Suggest doing something with them, like going for a walk, going to visit a cafe, playing a video game with them
• Sitting with them in silence
• Give them a hug or a pat on the back