Which symptom is a key warning sign prior to a suicide attempt?

A key warning sign prior to a suicide attempt is the presence of direct or indirect verbal cues. These cues can include statements that express feelings of hopelessness, mentions of wanting to die, or references to self-harm. By vocalizing these thoughts or feelings, an individual may be reaching out for help, making it crucial for friends, family, or professionals to recognize and respond to these signs.

Verbal cues can take many forms, such as the use of language that suggests a person is contemplating suicide, which can be a critical piece in identifying someone at risk. In many cases, individuals may communicate their distress explicitly or implicitly through conversations, writings, or art, indicating the urgent need for support or intervention.

Other options may indicate concerning behaviors or patterns, but they don’t serve as direct indicators of suicidal thoughts or intentions as effectively as verbal cues do. Increased energy might suggest a temporary uplift in mood, sudden calmness could imply a resolution to the individual’s emotional turmoil, and isolation, while serious, is more related to a general behavior change rather than a direct communication of intent. Recognizing verbal cues is fundamental in suicide prevention, as it can lead to timely intervention that potentially saves lives.