If someone you know exhibits the following behavior(s), they might have suicidal tendencies:

• Has the person become withdrawn from friends and/or family or undergone a dramatic personality change?
• Does the person have trouble concentrating or always seem bored?
• Does she or he often act rebellious?
• Is she or he having a hard time coping with a major life event such as divorce of parents, death of a sibling, being pregnant?
• Is abusing drugs or alcohol or both a common activity?
• Is she or he giving things away prized personal possessions?
• Does she or he write poems or notes about death?
• Does your friend talk or even joke about suicide?

If this person is you, your child or your friend, do not keep quiet. Suicide is preventable, but you must act quickly. Consider these steps: (If you are an adolescent yourself, make sure you involve an adult first.)

• Ask directly if they are thinking of committing suicide. Sometimes just saying the word helps the person feel like they are understood and their cries for help have been heard.
  
• Reassure the person of your feelings for them, and listen carefully to them about their feelings. Remind them that you are willing to help them cope with any problem they might have.
  
• Get rid of or lock up all guns, pills and medications of every kind, sharp tools including saws, knives, razors and scissors, and remove all ropes and belts.
  
• Get help from a professional immediately. Don't wait or hesitate. Call this suicide crisis hotline number (toll-free nationwide): 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for guidance.

Actions or talk of suicide are cries for help. Most teenagers are looking for acceptance, understanding, attention and love.