How do you recognize that someone is suicidal?
The person at risk...

• withdraws more and more, isolates himself
• extremely negative thoughts more often than usual, shows fewer interests, fewer interpersonal relationships
• talks about wanting to kill himself, announces in writing or through drawings, symbols or actions the
• Suicide (collecting pills, putting affairs in order, saying goodbye, giving away loved ones)
• is anxious, depressed, helpless, desperate
• suffers from severe mood swings
• loses control of their own actions (e.g. drives under the influence of alcohol, becomes violent, etc.)
• is unexpectedly calm after a suicidal expression
• seems to be difficult to reach in conversation

If you notice an accumulation of alarm signs, the person concerned belongs to a risk group and/or there is an acute stress situation, action must be taken!

Every statement or action that indicates a suicide must be understood as a cry for help that must not be ignored!

Dealing with the risk of suicide
What can you do if you have suicidal thoughts?

• Confide in someone!
• Make use of professional help!

What can you do if you know someone who is suicidal?

• Address the topic!
• Seek professional advice to better assist the person at risk!
• Don't leave a person in crisis alone!
• In the event of acute self-endangerment, you must protect the person against their will if necessary - the police can arrange for them to be placed in a psychiatric hospital!

What should you avoid when dealing with people at risk of suicide?

• comfort prematurely
• Give advice, instruct, admonish
• play down the problem, dismiss it as not so tragic
• assess and comment without taking the person concerned seriously
• Investigate, question, analyze
• Set activities prematurely