Risk factors and warning signs
Risk factors
Anyone can be at risk of suicidal thoughts. There is no single cause. The main risk factors for suicide are:
- Depression, other mental health conditions, or substance use disorder
- Being hospitalized for a mental health condition
- Chronic (long term) pain
- Personal history of suicide attempts
- Family history of a mental health condition or substance use
- Family history of suicide
- Family violence or abuse
- Release from prison or jail
Most people who have any of these risk factors will not attempt suicide, it is hard to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is actively showing warning signs of suicide may need care right away.
Warning signs
Below are warning signs to look out for when someone may attempt suicide:
- Seeming to be depressed or sad most of the time – depression that is not treated is the number one cause of suicide
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Move away from or isolate from family and friends
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Feeling strong anger or rage
- Feeling trapped – like there is no way out of a situation
- Dramatic mood changes
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Losing interest in activities or hobbies
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Poor work or school performance
- Feeling excessive guilt or shame
- Self-loathing or self-hatred
- Making unexpected or unusual goodbyes
Suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions should never be ignored. If you or someone you know is showing these warning signs, get help as soon as possible.
How can I help someone who is thinking of suicide?
Here are 5 action steps to help someone who is in emotional pain:
- Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It may seem like a hard question to ask, but studies show that asking people who maybe at risk of suicide if they are does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
- Keep them safe: Taking away a suicidal person’s access to deadly items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this may not be easy, asking if they have a plan and taking away the items can make a difference.
- Be there: Listen carefully and learn what they are thinking and feeling. Research shows that talking about suicide may lower rather than raise suicidal thoughts.
- Help them connect: Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help them connect to a trusted family member, friend, or mental health provider.
- Stay connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after they have been released from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up and stays connected with the person.
Tools
Resources
Alliance Behavioral Health Crisis Line: 877-223-4617
Connect with behavioral health and IDD services and crisis help. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and always answered by a qualified professional or clinician.
Other resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 (resources for the deaf and hard of hearing)
- National Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741
- IMAlive Online Crisis Chat: imalive.org
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press 1 or text 838255
- The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 or thetrevorproject.org/help LGBTQ youth suicide hotline
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 or translifeline.org Transgender crisis hotline
- Additional resources:
- Suicide Prevention and Statistics: 202-237-2280 or suicidology.org
- Promise Resource Network: 704-390-7709 or promiseresourcenetwork.com
- Reporting Suicidal Content Threats on Facebook: facebook.com/help/contact/305410456169423
Educational Resources
