Which of the following is a warning sign of suicide?

• A. Indirect statements such as 'I can't take it anymore.'
• B. Direct entries such as 'I wish I were dead.'
• C. Writing poems, song lyrics about death.
• D. Withdraw from friends.

Answer: (B)

A decisive indicator of suicide risk is a direct verbal expression of intent to die. When someone states “I wish I were dead,” they are articulating a concrete desire to end their life, which signals a dangerous level of risk and often a plan or readiness to act. This kind of explicit statement is more alarming and actionable for safety planning than other signs.

The other options can reflect distress or struggle and are important to take seriously, but they’re less direct about intent. Indirect statements like “I can’t take it anymore” show severe distress; creative outputs about death can be a cry for help or a way of processing pain; withdrawal from friends can indicate isolation and worsening mood. Each still warrants concern, support, and a careful safety check, but they don’t convey a clear, stated plan to die in the same way the direct expression does.

If someone says they wish they were dead, treat it as an urgent situation and seek immediate help from a trusted adult, a clinician, or emergency services.