Last week, we started our conversation about suicide, including sharing some basic facts and discussing the warning signs. Today, we will talk more about the risk factors for suicide and how you can help prevent it. I found some more recent statistics since our conversation last week. In 2022, suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths, which is about 20% more than in 2020. If we all learn the warning signs and how to get help for those who need it, maybe we can improve those statistics.
If you need help or know someone who does, use the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
What are the risk factors for suicide?
Suicide is a complex issue. Research shows that no one takes their own life for one single reason. The risk factors add to each other, and some of them may only increase your risk if you have already been thinking about suicide. Here are some of the primary risk factors:-
Depression, or other mental health conditions, or substance use disorder
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Chronic physical medical conditions, including chronic pain or conditions with an expected declining quality of life
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Personal history of suicide attempts
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Family history of suicide, mental health conditions, or substance use
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Exposure to violence, within the family or within the community
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Personal history of surviving physical or sexual violence
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Having recently been released from jail or prison
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Presence of guns/firearms in the home
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Direct or indirect exposure to suicidal behavior in others (family, peers, news reports)
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Stressful life events, such as legal or financial trouble or losing a loved one
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Interpersonal stresses, such as harassment, bullying, shame, discrimination, loss of a relationship
How can you help prevent suicide?
Knowing the risk factors and warning signs is a great first step to prevention. Watching for those signs in those around you and yourself, and then acting on them is the important next step. Providing support to those at risk has a big impact.
Here are some other ways you can help:
Talk about it –
There is a common myth about suicide, that talking about it increases the chance that a person will act on it. The opposite is true. Research shows that talking with someone about their mental health struggles is very helpful. It improves the likelihood that a person will seek treatment and improves overall mental health outcomes. Being able to discuss their problems can help someone find an alterative view of their current circumstances. Specifically asking a person in crisis if they are thinking about suicide can help! I know it can feel uncomfortable or difficult, but please don’t hesitate to ask the question if you see someone is depressed or in crisis.
Limit Access to Lethal Means –
This is one of the simplest strategies to decrease the risk of suicide. Suicide attempts are often impulsive decisions. Limiting access to firearms, safe storage of medications, and other actions to reduce access to lethal methods can provide a person time to think before doing harm to themselves.
Help a Loved One Find Mental Health Treatment –
Family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and mental health struggles in general. If you’re not sure where to start, try this link to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) with resources for finding help: Help for Mental Illnesses – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
If you or a loved one is in crisis, seek medical care immediately or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Here are a few other things you can do for long term prevention:
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Teach children good coping and problem-solving skills
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Engage in your community and encourage others to do the same (face-to-face engagement)
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Teach children about healthy relationships and be a good relationship role model
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Limit social media exposure, particularly for teens – Limiting social media use to 15-30 minutes per day or less (This applies to everyone!), reduces depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Those under 16 years old should stay off social media altogether.
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Let children, family members, and friends know that you are there for them if they need you.
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Be a good listener, without judgement.
I hope that I have provided some helpful information for you.
If you have any questions about suicide prevention, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor