An individual often makes many attempts to seek help before committing the act. The most obvious signs of impending suicide risk are verbal clues. These may consist of the person making very negative statements about life, the world, or themselves. These clues are indicators that the person MAY be suicidal. However, all human beings are unique individuals, so the only way to interpret how a person is feeling is to talk to him or her.
Behavioral changes are another source of clues.
The most obvious behavioral signs of a person at risk are changes in the persons eating and or sleeping habits, or deviations from his or her normal patterns of activity. Behavioral changes such as these can be indicators of depression, and therefore suicide potential. Mood swings, outbursts of anger. Abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Neglecting personal appearance.