9 Suicide Risk Factors for Families to Know

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Content Warning: This post deals with topics related to suicide. Please take care when reading. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to one of the following national resources: 

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678

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Here in the US, September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is an important reminder that suicide is something we need to be aware of and discuss. With open and honest conversations about suicidal ideation, suicide risk factors, and warning signs, we can help create connections and awareness that can save a life.

The truth is, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children and adolescents ages 10-19. As difficult as it is to come to terms with, children and teens can and do attempt and die by suicide.

If someone you love, regardless of their age, is having suicidal thoughts (also referred to as suicidal ideation), or expressing a willingness or desire to end their life, it’s essential to take them seriously. Seek immediate professional help.

Learn 9 key suicide risk factors, and warning signs of suicide risk to pay attention to.

First, we’re going to share 9 suicide risk factors that may elevate a person’s risk of suicide. Then, we’ll share warning signs of suicide risk to pay attention to.

9 Key Suicide Risk Factors

There are a variety of variables that may elevate a person’s risk for suicide. If you notice any of the warning signs in the next section, it’s important to take action.

• Health conditions

• Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. However, it’s not the only mental health condition that can elevate suicide risk. Here are a few others that can increase risk for suicide, particularly when they’re not identified or treated by a professional:

• Anxiety

• PTSD

• Substance abuse

• Chronic medical conditions, particularly pain, and traumatic brain injury can increase the risk for suicide.

• Environmental and social factors 

• Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs.

• Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment.

• Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss.

• Racial and gender identity can also impact suicide risk; it’s important to recognize that Black and LGBTQ+ young people are at elevated risk of suicide.

• Exposure to another person’s suicide, or exposure to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide.

• Life experiences

• Previous suicide attempts.

• Family history of suicide.

• Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma.

• Exposure to suicide.

• Experiencing stress and stressful life events.

Warning Signs of Suicide Risk

Most people who are considering suicide will exhibit warning signs. These warning signs may indicate an immediate risk, in which case, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible. Doing so can save a life.

Here are 3 warning signs of immediate suicide risk.

If you notice any of the following, it’s important to take immediate action:

1. Talking or writing about wanting to die or kill oneself.

2. Looking for a way to kill or hurt oneself.

3. Talking or writing about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

Again, it’s important to take immediate action, such as:

• Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Go to the emergency room

• Send a message to the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• Text the Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678

Here are 8 warning signs indicating serious suicide risk.

The following indicate serious suicide risk; if you notice any of these behaviors in your loved one, pay attention and speak to a mental health professional. It’s especially important to seek support if the behavior is new, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

1. Aggression

2. Increased irritability and impulsivity

3. Displaying extreme mood swings

4. Feelings of sadness or loss of interest

5. Sleeping too little or too much

6. Withdrawing from activities

7. Talking of being a burden

8. Isolating from friends and family.

Take Action

Here are some additional steps and resources to help when you or someone you care about needs more support:

• If you have a mental health provider, reach out. If you don’t, it will be important to try to get mental health care.

• Call a suicide hotline number.

• In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.

• U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.

• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.

• Seek help from your doctor or other health care provider.

• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

At Little Otter, we screen all children 8 and older and those under 8 with known factors for suicide risk using evidence-based screening tools and interventions.

If we identify increased suicide risk, we schedule a comprehensive initial assessment with a licensed mental health provider as soon as possible with the child and parents. During that appointment, we conduct a thorough risk assessment and develop a safety plan with the child and family, if indicated. We strive to be proactive and alert, so that we don’t miss these signs of suicide risk.