RISK FACTORS & WARNING SIGNS - Source: Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Risk factors are characteristics of a person or his or her environment that increase the likelihood that he or she will die by suicide (i.e., suicide risk).
Major risk factors for suicide include:
-
Prior suicide attempt(s)
-
Misuse and abuse of alcohol or other drugs
-
Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
-
Access to lethal means
-
Knowing someone who died by suicide, particularly a family member
-
Social isolation
-
Chronic disease and disability
-
Lack of access to behavioral health care
Warning signs should be viewed in the context of either immediate risk or serious risk.
Immediate Risk
Some behaviors may indicate that a person is at immediate risk for suicide.
The following three should prompt you to immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or a mental health professional:
-
Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
-
Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
-
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Serious Risk
Other behaviors may also indicate a serious risk—especially if the
behavior is new; has increased; and/or seems related to a painful event,
loss, or change.
-
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 feeling isolated
-
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
-
Displaying extreme mood swings

