Mr. and Mrs. Smith are concerned about their 15-year-old son, Wesley. He has withdrawn from his friends and seems depressed. Recently, Wesley stated, "You'd be better off if I were dead"

Should the Smiths be concerned? Provide them with the warning signs of suicide.
What will be an ideal response?

Yes, the Smiths should be concerned about Wesley because he is exhibiting some of the warning signs of suicide. The warning signs include:
– Efforts to put personal affairs in order—smoothing over troubled relationships, giving away treasured possessions
– Verbal cues—saying goodbye to family members and friends, making direct or indirect references to suicide ("I won't have to worry about these problems much longer"; "I wish I were dead")
– Feelings of sadness, despondency, "not caring" anymore
– Extreme fatigue, lack of energy, boredom
– No desire to socialize; withdrawal from friends
– Easily frustrated
– Emotional outbursts—spells of crying or laughing, bursts of energy
– Inability to concentrate, distractible
– Decline in grades, absence from school, discipline problems
– Neglect of personal appearance
– Sleep change—loss of sleep or excessive sleepiness
– Appetite change—eating more or less than usual
– Physical complaints—stomachaches, backaches, headaches