Suicide Facts: Risk Factors

 The first step in preventing suicide is to identify and understand the risk factors.  A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood that persons will harm themselves.  However, risk factors are not necessarily causes.  Research has identified the following risk factors for suicide.

*Previous suicide attempt(s)

*History of mental disorders, plarticularly depression

*History of alcohol and substance abuse 

*Family history of suicide

*Family history of child maltreatment

*Feelings of hopelessness

*Impulsive or aggressive tendencies

*Barriers to accessing mental health treatment 

*Loss (relational, social, work or financial)

*Physical illness

*Easy access to lethal methods

*Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts 

*Cultural and religious beliefs--for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma 

*Local epidemics of suicide

*Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people