Risk Factors
Risk factors vary with age, gender, and ethnicity. Not all people who have these risk factors are suicidal, but they are important to be aware of. They include:
- Depression or loss of interest in usual activites
- Substance abuse disorder
- Prior suicide attempt
- Family history of suicide
- Gender identity issues
- Unsecured firearms in the home
- Incarceration
- Exposure to suicidal behavior of others, especially peers
- Family violence
Warning Signs
Most individuals who feel suicidal demonstrate warning signs. Recognizing these signs is the first step to helping yourself or someone you care about. They include:
- Talking or writing about wanting to die or hurt oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or not wanting to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Giving away prized possessions
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Risky behavior
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as looking online or buying a gun unexpectedly
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Neglecting appearance or hygiene
- Extreme mood swings or changes in behavior
How to Help
If you are concerned that someone you know may be thinking of self harm, immediate action is very important. Do not be afraid to ask the person is he or she is thinking about harming or killing him/herself. This will not plant a thought or cause them to do something they have not already considered. It DOES give the person an opportunity to share how he/she is feeling and to get help. Most individuals who consider suicide do not want to die, they only want whatever pain they are feeling to stop.
Do NOT agree to keep it a secret. Tell a parent, teacher, administrator, counselor, clergy – anyone who can help you know how to get help.
Resources
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