Suicide Warning Signs and Support for Older Adults

By Silver Sitters

In the United States, call or text 988 for help if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.

An older adult who expresses hopelessness or a wish to die deserves a caring response and timely support. Do not dismiss these concerns as a normal part of aging, assume that living alone means someone is suicidal, or wait to be certain before asking for help.

Warning signs to take seriously

Pay attention to changes that are new, increasing or connected with a painful event or loss. Possible warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die, having no reason to live or feeling like a burden.
• Expressing unbearable distress, feeling trapped or searching for ways to harm themselves.
• Withdrawing from others, marked changes in sleep or extreme mood changes.
• Increased alcohol or drug use, severe agitation or unusual risk-taking.

No checklist can determine a person’s safety. Contact 988 for guidance if you are concerned about a loved one, even if you do not know what to say.

Start a direct, compassionate conversation

Ask calmly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking directly does not increase suicidal thoughts. Listen without arguing, blaming or minimizing what they describe. Avoid promising to keep a plan for self-harm secret; involve crisis support and appropriate trusted people.

Help connect them with support

If there is immediate danger, call 911 and stay with the person if you can do so safely. Otherwise, help them contact 988 or a mental health professional. Ask for guidance on reducing access to items that could be used for self-harm and making a safety plan.

Continue checking in after a crisis or healthcare visit. Offer practical help with appointments and staying connected, while recognizing that friends, family and home care support do not replace professional crisis care.