SUICIDE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS

SUICIDE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS
NOTE: This post is intended for informational purposes only.

Adapted from Colorado's Office of Suicide Prevention

RISK FACTORS
· Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or other mental illness- especially when there is a heightened sense of hopelessness

· Significant loss (divorce, death, loss of health, separation, break-ups, loss of respect)

· Pressure to succeed

· Family problems

· Poor self esteem

· Family history of suicidal behavior

· Someone close to individual has completed suicide

· Substance abuse or dependence


WARNING SIGNS

People who are in danger of taking their own lives may try to reach out to others - sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly. Rarely will at-risk individuals immediate volunteer the information that they are thinking of harming themselves. Instead they might exhibit some of the following warning signs:

· Talking about suicide, death, or preoccupation with dying. Might say, "I wish I were dead" or "People would be better off if I am not around" or "Soon you won't have to worry about me" or "I just can't take it anymore. I am done."

· Has a suicidal plan and the means to carry it through (note: many attempts, especially in youth are impulsive. Thus, absence of a plan is not evidence of absence of risk)

· Trouble eating or sleeping (sleeping all the time, unable to sleep at all, not able to eat or overeating)

· Intensity of distress and agitation accompanied by depression.

· Significant changes in behavior and/or personality

· Withdrawing from family and friends

· Loss of interest in activities, work, school, hobbies, or social interactions

· Deteriorating physical appearance

· Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye

· Previous suicide attempts

· Increased drug and/or alcohol use

· Statements about hopelessness, or worthlessness or feeling like a burden to others

· Taking unnecessary risks

· Sudden happiness or calmness following a depressed mood

· Obsession with suicidal means (guns, knives, hanging materials)

· Problems in school or work performance

· Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms

· An inability to concentrate, trouble remembering things


ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS FOR ADULTS

· Stockpiling medications

· Buying a gun

· Taking a sudden interest or losing interest in religion

· Getting ones affairs in order - paying off debt, getting a will, getting life insurance

· Scheduling medical appointments for vague symptoms


ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS FOR ADOLESCENTS

· Volatile mood swings or sudden changes in personality

· Eating disorders

· Sexual orientation or gender identity concerns