Which combination of symptoms indicates a warning sign of suicide?

• A. Feeling hopeful and engaged
• B. Feeling hopeless, withdrawing from family, taking more risks
• C. Excessive energy and hyperactivity
• D. No behavioral changes

Answer: (B)

Recognizing suicide warning signs involves noticing a pattern where internal distress shows up in mood, behavior, and social connections. The strongest cue is a person expressing or embodying hopelessness while pulling away from others and engaging in riskier behavior. Feeling hopeless indicates they’re overwhelmed and see little or no possibility for improvement, which can push someone toward considering self-harm. When this mental state is paired with withdrawal from family or friends, the person loses protective social supports and opportunities for help. Adding an increase in risky or impulsive actions suggests a readiness to act on distress rather than seek help, elevating the danger signal.

In contrast, feeling hopeful and engaged points toward better mood and recovery, not a warning sign. Excessive energy and hyperactivity can be concerning for other reasons (like mania or anxiety) but don’t by themselves indicate suicide risk. No behavioral changes would imply there’s no shift suggesting danger.

If you notice hopelessness with withdrawal and risk-taking in someone, take it seriously and seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional, or contact emergency services if there is imminent danger.