Signs & Symptoms

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of injury or death, call 911.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide is the second leading cause of death for three age groups, 10-14, 15-24, and 25-34. It is imperative that we learn more about mental illnesses and how to get help when we or someone we know are experiencing symptoms. If you, a friend, or a family member is experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, know that there is help.

Below are common signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. If you think you or someone you know has a mental illness, you can find resources, hope, and help through one of our resource pages or by calling our Family Support Warm Line (314.952.8274) weekdays between 9AM-5:30PM.

Signs of Depression

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism

• Irritability

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

• Decreased energy or fatigue

• Moving or talking more slowly

• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Appetite and/or weight changes

• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

• Excessive drug and/or alcohol use or abuse

Signs of Anxiety

• Worry excessively about everyday things

• Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge

• Being easily fatigued

• Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank

• Being irritable

• Having muscle tension, trembling or twitching, light-headed or out of breath, or racing heartbeat

• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry

• Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep

Warning Signs and Risks Factors of Suicide

• Talking, writing, joking or posting about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, worthless, or having no reason to live

• Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

• Talking about great guilt or shame

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, making a will

• A previous suicide attempt
  Serious behavior or conduct problems

• Losing a loved one to suicide

• Having a history of depression

There are many different types of mental illness. Learn more about the ones listed above and others from The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

These resources should not be used in place of seeking professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness or suicidal thoughts. Call our Family Support Warm Line at 314.952.8274 (weekdays between the hours of 9:00am and 5:30pm) to receive support, or contact your doctor or a mental health professional.

In an emergency, call 911.