RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Risk factors are stressful events, situations, or conditions that exist in a person’s life that may increase the likelihood of attempting or dying by suicide. There is no predictive list of a particular set of risk factors that spells imminent danger of suicide. It is important to understand that risk factors DO NOT cause suicide.
Risk factors most strongly associated with suicidal behavior include:
Individual
-Prior suicide attempt(s)
-Access to lethal means (firearms, poisons, prescription medications, alcohol or other substances)
-Suicidal threats; homicidal ideation
-A suicide plan
-Fantasy concept/preoccupation with death
-Mental disorders, particularly depression, mood disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety or psychosis lasting over two weeks
-Alcohol or other substance use disorders
-Major physical illness
-Hopelessness, helplessness
-Impulsiveness and/or aggressive tendencies
-Low self-esteem
-Learning disabilities
-Changes and worsening in self-injuring behavior
-Stressors related to sexual orientation
Peer/Family
-History of interpersonal violence, conflict, trauma, or abuse
-Social isolation, alienation from family members, friends
-Moving/being new to a school
-Family dysfunction or changes (illnesses, parental/marital conflict, absentee parent)
-Stigma or barriers associated with help-seeking behavior
-Exposure to suicidal behavior of a family member or close friend
Community
-Multiple losses (job, financial, relationship, social)
-“Loss of face” or disrespect from peers
-Recent disappointment/rejection
-Lack of social support
-Barriers to health care and mental health care
-Portrayal of suicide in the media (movies, news, or music)
-Perceived pressure to succeed by self or others
Society
-Certain cultural/religious beliefs that accept suicide as a solution
-Loss of connection to spiritual/religious beliefs
-Cultural values and attitudes
PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Protective factors are the positive conditions and personal and social resources that promote resiliency and reduce the potential for youth suicide (i.e. decrease the likelihood of attempting or dying by suicide). It is important to understand that risk factors do not prevent suicide.
Protective factors associated with suicidal behavior include:
Individual
-Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation
-Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and anger/stress management
-Opportunities to participate in projects/activities
-Resiliency
-Strong sense of self-worth
-A sense of personal control
-Good impulse control
-Not drinking alcohol in excess/not using illegal substances
-A reasonably stable environment
-Responsibilities/duties to others
-Asking for help
-Being aware of resources
Peer/Family
-Close family bonds
-Sense of social support
-Positive connections with an adult
-Pets
-Availability of and access to effective clinical care for mental/physical/substance use disorders
-Restricted access to lethal means of suicide
Community
-Respect for help-seeking behavior
-Skills to recognize and respond to signs of risk
Society
-Urban/suburban setting
-Media influence
WARNING SIGNS FOR SUICIDE
Warning signs are the changes in a person’s behaviors, feelings, and beliefs about oneself that indicate risk. Usually these signs last for a period of two weeks or longer, but some youths behave impulsively and may choose suicide very quickly as a solution to their problems.
Early warning signs include:
-Difficulties in school (decline in school work/grades)
-Feeling sad, angry
-Eating and sleeping disturbances/changes
-Feeling like a failure, self-criticism
-Pessimism (not tolerating praise/rewards)
-Difficulty concentrating/persistent boredom
-Preoccupation with death
-Personality/behavior change
-Physical symptoms associated with emotions (stomachache, fatigue)
Late warning signs include:
-Actual talk/writing of suicide, death or dying
-Making a plan (threatening to hurt or kill oneself)
-Withdrawing from family, friends, and society
-Refusing help, feeling “beyond help”
-Making a last will and testament
-Giving away favorite possessions
-Acting reckless, engaging in risk taking behaviors (running away, jumping from heights, reckless driving)
-Increased substance use (alcohol or drugs)
-Neglect of personal appearance
-Prolonged depression
-Displaying sudden improvement after a period of being very sad and withdrawn this may mean that a decision has been made to escape all problems by ending one’s life
-Desperation, agitation, anxiety, and panic
-Looking for ways to kill oneself - seeking lethal means (firearms, pills, other)
-No sense of purpose in life
-Feeling trapped – like there is no way out
-Hopelessness
-Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
-Dramatic mood changes
These suggestions are compiled from a variety of sources including:
American Association of Suicidology (AAS).
Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Guidelines
Community-Based Suicide Postvention Guidelines for Wisconsin