We can all help prevent suicide. Learning the risk factors and warning signs of a potential suicide attempt can save lives.
Risk Factors
These characteristics increase the likelihood of suicide but aren’t necessarily direct causes. (CDC, AFSP)
- Previous suicide attempt
- Family history of suicide
- History of trauma or abuse
- Mental illness
- Social isolation
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Stressful life events
- Serious physical illness
- Substance use disorder
- Access to lethal means
Warning Signs
Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more changes in talk, mood and/or behavior. (AFSP, Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Extreme mood swings
- Increase in depression or anxiety
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
What You Can Do
If you need help for yourself or someone else, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals at 1-800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org.