Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts or intentions are serious. Warning signs include:
1. A sudden switch from sadness to extreme calmness, or appearing to be happy
2. Always talking or thinking about death
3. Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
4. Taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
5. Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
6. Putting affairs in order, like tying up loose ends or changing a will
7. Saying things like "It would be better if I weren't here" or "I want out"
8. Talking about suicide
If you or someone you know shows any of the above warning signs, call your local suicide hotline, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room.