WARNING SIGNS, PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Warning Signs of Suicide
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- Threatening to, or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
- Seeking access to methods of killing oneself
- Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when out of the ordinary for that person
- Abrupt personality changes
- Dramatic mood changes
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling trapped
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities seemingly without thinking
- Hostile behavior
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Giving away possessions
- Previous suicide attempt
- Significant weight change
- Inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Neglecting personal appearance
- Neglecting work
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
- Abrupt ending of a personal relationship
- Unusually long grief reaction
Protective Factors for Suicide
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation
- Skill in solving problems, resolving conflict and handling disputes non-violently
- Strong connections to family
- Strong connections to community support
- Effective professional care for mental, physical and substance abuse disorders
- Easy access to a number of different types of professional help
- Being supported to seek help
- Mental and medical health care relationships that are ongoing
- No access to highly lethal means of suicide
Risk Factors for Suicide
Biopsychosocial Risk Factors
- Mental disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- Hopelessness
- History of trauma or abuse
- Some major physical illnesses
- Previous suicide attempt
- Family history of suicide
Environmental Risk Factors
- Job or financial loss
- Relationship or social loss
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence
Sociocultural Risk Factors
- Lack of social support
- Sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with seeking help
- Barriers to accessing mental health care and substance abuse treatment
- Certain cultural and religious beliefs (those that believe suicide is noble)
- Exposure to, and influence of others who have died by suicide
SUICIDE, LEADING KILLER OF TEENS: Take Threats or Hints Seriously
an article by Cynthia Clark, Associate Professor, Boise State University