• Overwhelming anxiety (the most common trigger for a suicide attempt)
• Behavioral changes
• Withdrawal and social isolation
• Saying farewell to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order
• Giving away prized possessions
• Sending covert suicide messages and death wishes
• Expressing obvious suicidal thoughts ("I'd be better off dead")
• Describing a suicide plan
• Hoarding medications
• Talking about death and a feeling of futility

Suicide interventions

• Keep communication lines open.
• Try to maintain continuity of care and consistency of primary nurses if possible. These measures can help the patient maintain emotional ties to others—the best technique for preventing suicide.
• To ensure a safe environment, check for dangerous conditions in the unit, such as exposed pipes, windows without safety glass, and access to the roof or open balconies.
• Remove belts, sharp objects (such as razors, knives, nail files, and clippers), suspenders, light cords, and glass from the patient's room.
• Observe the patient 24 hours a day, including during meals and bathroom use.
• Allow visitors who are approved by the doctor. Observe the patient during contact with visitors.