Suicide Risk Factors
You may not be able to control your risk factors, but it can help to be aware of them.
- Alcohol or substance use disorders.
- Cultural or religious beliefs, such as suicide is honorable in the face of personal troubles.
- Family history of suicide.
- Fear of stigma about asking for help.
- History of trauma or abuse.
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies.
- Lack of mental healthcare or substance abuse treatment.
- Loss of job, finances, health, or relationships.
- Mental or mood disorders.
- Sense of isolation or lack of social support.
Warning Signs of Suicide
If you are someone you know shows any of these signs, please call the Lifeline for help.
- Acting anxious or agitated or behaving recklessly.
- Exhibiting rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Experiencing extreme mood swings.
- Expressing a desire to die or to kill themselves.
- Feeling hopelessness or having no reason to live.
- Increasing their alcohol or drug use.
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as buying a weapon or searching how to online.
- Saying they feel trapped and are in unbearable pain.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves.