When a patient develops suicidal depression, she no longer has a will to live. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that "suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5- to 14-year-olds." A suicidal person may not only express her desire to die verbally.
Reckless Behavior
Helpguide.org notes that a suicidal patient may participate in reckless behavior and violent actions, putting himself in danger on purpose. For example, he may attempt to get into car accidents in order to kill himself. He may also take on risks where death is a possible consequence, such as Russian roulette. Reckless behavior also includes the patient seeking out dangerous items, such as weapons or medication that he could overdose on.
Giving Away Items
Another warning sign of suicidal depression is the patient tying up loose ends and getting her final affairs in order. This "final plan" may be verbal, such as the patient saying goodbye to friends and family members, but some nonverbal acts are just as telling. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that the patient may give prized possessions away. She may uncharacteristically clean her room or apartment, or discard possessions she does not give away. It will appear that she is cleaning out the property of someone who has already died.
Worsening of Depression
When a patient becomes suicidal, the preexisting symptoms of depression can worsen. The patient may become angrier or more pessimistic. Desperation, hopelessness, a lower mood and withdrawal can also occur, and the patient may neglect his personal appearance. The patient may also become more anxious. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that the patient may also have hallucinations, where he sees or hears things that do not exist, as well as significant personality changes.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention adds that a suicidal patient may start abusing substances or increase the amount of drug and alcohol she is already taking. She may be using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, or to overdose.
