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Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs

Risk Factors

Risk factors are conditions that increase the likelihood of suicidal behavior. These can be
grouped into three main categories

1. Health-Related Risk Factors:

  • Mental health conditions: Depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar
    disorder.
  • Substance abuse issues.
  • Personality traits: Aggression, mood swings, difficulty forming relationships.
  • Physical health problems: Chronic pain or serious health conditions.
  • Traumatic brain injury.

2. Environmental Risk Factors:

  • Access to lethal means: Firearms, drugs, or other dangerous objects.
  • Prolonged stress: Harassment, bullying, toxic relationships, or unemployment.
  • Stressful life events: Divorce, financial crises, loss, or other life transitions.
  • Exposure to suicide: The suicide of a loved one or witnessing sensationalized
    accounts in the media.
  • Discrimination

3. Historical Risk Factors:

  • Previous suicide attempts.
  • Family history of suicide.
  • Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma.
  • Generational trauma.

Protective Factors:

There are protective factors that reduce the risk of suicide, including

  • Access to mental health care and the willingness to address mental health issues.
  • Strong connections with family and community support.
  • Coping skills and problem-solving abilities.
  • Limited access to lethal means.
  • Cultural and religious beliefs that promote help-seeking behaviors and
    discourage suicide, while fostering a sense of purpose and self-esteem.

Warning Signs:

Changes in behavior or new actions can indicate that someone is at risk for suicide.

These signs are particularly concerning when linked to painful events, losses, or changes

1. Verbal Warnings:

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness, being a burden, or having no reason to live.
  • Describing feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain.

2. Environmental Risk Factors:

  • Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
  • Searching online for ways to end their life.
  • Withdrawal from activities and isolation from family or friends.
  • Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little).
  • Saying goodbye to loved ones, giving away prized possessions.
  • Exhibiting aggression or excessive fatigue.

3. Historical Risk Factors:

  • Depression, anxiety, or irritability.
  • Sudden loss of interest in things they used to enjoy.
  • Feelings of shame, agitation, or anger.
  • Sometimes, people at risk might show relief or sudden improvement in mood, signaling a resolved decision to act on suicidal thoughts.