Which behavior is a warning sign of imminent suicide?

Which behavior is a warning sign of imminent suicide?

• A. Withdrawal from staff and visitors
• B. Sleeping too much
• C. Eating too little
• D. Attending group therapy

Answer: (A)

Withdrawal from staff and visitors signals a serious risk cue because it shows the person is retreating from social support and connections. Isolation can reflect growing hopelessness and a potential intention to harm oneself, and in a correctional setting that loss of contact with others often precedes an attempt. The other options are less specific: sleeping too much or eating too little can accompany depression but don’t alone indicate imminent risk, and attending group therapy suggests engagement with help and is generally a protective behavior rather than a warning sign. If you notice withdrawal, approach calmly, express genuine concern, ask directly about thoughts of self-harm, and involve mental health staff to assess and ensure safety.

Withdrawal from staff and visitors signals a serious risk cue because it shows the person is retreating from social support and connections. Isolation can reflect growing hopelessness and a potential intention to harm oneself, and in a correctional setting that loss of contact with others often precedes an attempt. The other options are less specific: sleeping too much or eating too little can accompany depression but don’t alone indicate imminent risk, and attending group therapy suggests engagement with help and is generally a protective behavior rather than a warning sign. If you notice withdrawal, approach calmly, express genuine concern, ask directly about thoughts of self-harm, and involve mental health staff to assess and ensure safety.