Warning Signs

WARNING SIGNS, PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE

Warning Signs of Suicide

• 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