Suicide Risk Factors

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 – 24 and is the 11th leading cause of death overall. Suicide occurs across all ages, economic, social and ethnic boundaries. Most suicidal persons give definite warnings of their suicidal thoughts, but those closest to them are either unaware of the significance of these warnings or do not know how to respond.

Protect Against Suicide
Green Light – Good to Go!
Many people wonder what can be done to protect loved ones from becoming suicidal. A simplistic answer is that protection can be enhanced by addressing the protective factors listed here.

Connect to community, family, friends
Be supportive – family and community support gives people a way to connect
Restrict access to highly lethal methods of suicide – especially firearms
Establish a relationship with a doctor, clergy, teacher, counselor or other trusted professional
Get help for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders – especially depression

Suicide Risk Factors
Yellow Light – Proceed with Caution
Some factors put us at higher risk for suicide. Risk factors are like a yellow light alerting us to proceed with caution. The presence of a single risk factor doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is at high risk of suicide, but a number of risk factors together should signal concern. The presence of depression/bipolar disorder; hopelessness; substance abuse in combination with other risk factors increases risk significantly.

Previous suicide attempts
Mental disorders – particularly mood disorders
Co-occurring mental and alcohol and substance abuse disorders
Family history of suicide
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
Barriers to accessing mental health treatment when it is needed
Relational, social, work, or financial loss
Physical illness
Easy access to lethal weapons, especially guns
Lack of connectedness
Substance abuse

Suicide Warning Signs
Red Light – Stop – Get Help
Warning signs go beyond risk – they are evident in what people say and do. The presence of warning signs is like a red light signaling you to stop and get help now!

Talking, reading or writing about suicide or death
Talking about feeling worthless or helpless
Saying things like, “I’m going to kill myself,” or “I wish I was dead,” or “I shouldn’t have been born”
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving things away or returning borrowed items
Self destructive or reckless behavior
Significant change in behavior
A sense of hopelessness about their situation

Submitted by Don Belau, Ph.D., LIPC #238 NCSP
Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center-Geneva