Warning Signs of Suicide

Although there are no official national statistics on attempted suicide (e.g., non-fatal actions) it is generally estimated that there are 25 attempts for each death by suicide. The vast majority of individuals who are suicidal often display cues and warning signs. Here is an easy to remember Mnemonic for warning signs of suicide: IS PATH WARM?

IS PATH WARM?

I Ideation
S Substance Abuse

P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness

W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood Changes

Ideation: Expressed or communicated ideation – threatening to hurt or kill self, or talking of wanting to hurt or
kill self; looking for ways to kill self; talking or writing about death, dying or suicide

Substance Abuse: Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use

Purposelessness: No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life

Anxiety: Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

Trapped: Feeling trapped (like there’s no way out)

Hopelessness: Hopelessness

Withdrawal: Withdrawal from friends, family and society

Anger: Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge

Recklessness: Acting reckless or engaging in risk activities, seemingly without thinking

Mood Change: Dramatic mood changes

These warning signs were derived as a consensus from a meeting of internationally – renowned clinical researches held under the auspices of the AAS in Wellesley, MA in November 2003.