Most people who develop thoughts about suicide have already been diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder, or some other psychiatric disorder. As a result, they may continue to have symptoms, even when they are receiving treatment.

Often, but not always, certain symptoms or behaviors may be present or getting worse before a suicide attempt:

• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
• Giving away belongings, taking about going away or the need to "get one's affairs in order"
• Sudden change in behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
• Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
• Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting
• Sudden difficulty in school or work performance
• Talking about death or suicide, or even stating the desire to harm themselves
• Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty
• Unusual changes in sleep or eating habits
• Withdrawal from friends or an unwillingness to go out anywhere