Suicide Prevention

Risk Factors

RISK FACTORS

Research has shown that there are certain things called “risk factors” which can increase a person’s risk of suicide. The list below provides some biological, psychological, environmental, social and cultural risk factors which may (or may not) influence someone to consider suicide more than others. Keep in mind that experiencing one or more of these issues does not automatically mean a person is considering suicide. It’s important to look at both warning signs and risks factors to understand the full picture.
 

WHAT GOES ON IN YOUR MIND AND BODY

 
  • History or signs of depression*
  • History of mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, etc.)
  • History of being abused or mistreated
  • History of self-injury/ Engaged in self-injurious behavior
  • Tendency to be impulsive 
  • Major physical illness
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)

 

 *If a person begins to improve after being seriously depressed they may be at a higher risk for suicide, since now they might have enough energy to follow through on a suicide plan.
 
 

WHAT GOES ON AROUND YOU

 
  • Barriers to mental health services 
  • Lack of community support
  • Loss such as a death or relationship break up
  • Loss such as a job or financial security
  • Feeling unsafe or losing a sense of security
  • Family history of suicide 
  • High stress family dynamic
  • Easy access to lethal materials
 

WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE AND LEARN FROM OTHERS

 

  • Lack of support from other youth
  • Cultural or religious beliefs that suggest suicide as a solution to personal problems
  • Recent exposure to suicide through the media, family, friends, or co-workers
  • Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health or suicide
  • Difficulty in school (e.g. discipline problems, failing grades, bullying others

 

 
 
 
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AFSP, SPRC, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, APA