Suicide Prevention – Risk Factors
Suicide is a complex behavior that is usually caused by a combination of risk factors in the presence of negative life events. The first step in preventing suicide is to identify and understand the risk factors. A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood that a person will harm himself or herself. However, having these risk factors does not always mean that suicide will occur.
–Adapted from the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
- Depression
- Substance Abuse
- Previous Suicide Attempt
- History of mental disorders (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression)
- Self-injury
- History of alcohol and substance abuse
- Family history of suicide and/or child abuse
- Loss (death of a loved one, divorce, etc.)
- Physical illness
- Easy access to firearms
- Being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered or Questioning
- Bullying/isolation
