Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

Warning signs can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling like a burden
• Feeling hopeless or trapped
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities
• Significant changes in mood or behavior
• Increased anxiety, agitation, or irritability
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Looking for ways to harm oneself

If someone is showing several of these signs, especially after a stressful event or significant loss, it’s important to seek help immediately.

Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of acting on suicidal thoughts, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you’re in emotional distress or need someone to talk to right now, call or text 988. For questions about inpatient mental health treatment, TaraVista’s Admissions Specialists are available 24/7 at 978-615-5252.

Treatment Works

There is no single treatment for suicidal thoughts because each person’s situation is different. At TaraVista, treatment begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand what is contributing to the crisis and what support is needed.

Treatment may include:

• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT
• Safety planning
• Family involvement when appropriate
• Treatment for underlying depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions
• Discharge planning and connection to ongoing outpatient care

The goal is not simply to get through the crisis—but to help individuals regain hope, build coping skills, and create a path toward lasting wellness.

When Inpatient Care Is Needed

Sometimes outpatient treatment or support from family and friends isn’t enough.

Inpatient psychiatric care may be appropriate when someone:

• Has thoughts of suicide with a plan or intent
• Has recently attempted suicide
• Is unable to stay safe on their own
• Is experiencing severe depression, psychosis, mania, or another acute mental health crisis
• Is not improving despite outpatient treatment
• Needs 24-hour psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and support

At TaraVista, patients receive compassionate care in a safe, therapeutic environment while an individualized treatment plan is developed.

Thoughts of Suicide in Youth

Suicidal thoughts among children and teens have increased significantly over the past decade. Young people may not always express what they’re feeling directly. Instead, warning signs may include:

• Withdrawing from friends or family
• Sudden decline in school performance
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Increased irritability or anger
• Talking about feeling hopeless or like they don’t matter
• Giving away treasured possessions
• Self-harm behaviors

Parents and caregivers know their children best. If something feels different or concerning, trust your instincts. Early intervention can make a life-changing difference.

Thoughts of Suicide in Adults

Adults experiencing suicidal thoughts often try to hide their emotional pain. They may continue working, caring for others, or going through daily routines while struggling internally.

Warning signs may include:

• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Increased isolation
• Major life stressors such as relationship difficulties, financial problems, job loss, or illness
• Increased substance use
• Talking about feeling like a burden
• Sudden calmness after a period of severe depression

Seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Effective treatment can reduce suicidal thoughts and help people regain hope.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

• TaraVista Mental Health Resources Page
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988
• Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): 833-773-2445
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): afsp.org

When Is It Time to Call TaraVista?

If you or someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t wait for the situation to become an emergency.

Call TaraVista if:

• Suicidal thoughts are becoming more frequent or intense.
• Existing outpatient treatment is not helping or symptoms are worsening.
• A person can no longer safely manage at home.
• Family members are unsure what to do next.
• A mental health professional has recommended inpatient care.

If someone is in immediate danger of acting on suicidal thoughts, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

For non-emergency questions about inpatient psychiatric treatment or admissions, TaraVista’s Admissions Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 978-615-5252.