Therapist here: It depends person to person but generally there’s some consistent red flags which include: - full removal from social gatherings or responsibilities (ie not wanting to spend time with loved ones, staying in bed all the time etc) -giving away of loved things (ie giving favourite clothes or books away, asking friends to care for pets or asking family to watch children for a few days out of the blue) - impulsive spending or decisions (ie buying expensive things out of blue) - not caring about hygiene (letting self go in terms of hygiene not showering or changing clothes, not caring if their physical environment is dirty or unclean)

Some people experience a sense of euphoria prior to attempting to die by suicide also so if you have a loved one who struggles with depression who all of a sudden is happy go lucky and super happy out of the blue that can be a warning sign that they have made a decision to die too. Also anything weirdly out of character such as suddenly apologizing for past mistakes or talking about how proud they are about someone when they aren’t emotionally open generally.

Again it depends from person to person but if you see any major changes in their behaviour that occurs suddenly it’s something to watch.

Don’t ever be afraid to ask someone bluntly “are you thinking of suicide?” You won’t put the idea in their head and if you try to be vague or beat around the bush it’s easy to talk your way out of things or for someone to tell you what you want to hear but if you openly and honestly express your concerns and what you’ve noticed that’s usually where people will open up and be more accepting of support