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

​