For anyone interested in the warning signs for suicide, the following may be helpful:
The following is titled the “SAD PERSONS” scale for evaluating suicide potential. Each letter corresponds to one of the high-risk factors.
S = sex: females are more likely to attempt; males more likely to succeed
A = age: 19 or younger are 45 and older are at higher risk
D = depression: may increase potential for suicidal thinking

P = previous attempt: highest predictor of a subsequent attempt
E = ethanol abuse: abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
R = rational thinking loss: unrealistic and subjective thoughts
S = social supports lacking: isolation from others
O = organized plan: the more specific, the more at risk
N = no spouse: single, divorced, widowed
S = sickness: long-term illness and/or no cure