Suicide Risk Factors | SECOND CHANCE SUICIDE AWARENESS

CAUSES OF SUICIDE

Demographics: Recently Divorced or Separated with Feelings of Victimization or Rage
Suicide Ideation (threatened, communicated, planned, or prepared for)
Current Self-harm Behavior Recent Suicide Attempt Excessive or Increased Use of Substances (alcohol or drugs)
Psychological Pain (acute distress in response to loss, defeat, rejection, etc.)
Recent Discharge from Psychiatric Hospitalization Anger, Rage, Seeking
Revenge Aggressive Behavior Withdrawal from Usual Activities, Supports, Interests, School or Work; Isolation (e.g. lives alone)
Anhedonia
Anxiety, Panic
Agitation Insomnia
Persistent Nightmares
Suspiciousness, Paranoia (ideas of persecution or reference)
Severe Feelings of Confusion or Disorganization
Command Hallucinations Urging Suicide
Intense Affect States (e.g. desperation, intolerable aloneness, self-hate…)
Dramatic Mood Changes
Hopelessness, Poor Problem-solving, Cognitive Constriction (thinking in black and white terms, not able to see gray areas, alternatives…), Rumination, Few Reasons for Living, Inability to Imagine Possibly Positive Future Events
Perceived Burdensomeness

Recent Diagnosis of Terminal Condition
Feeling Trapped, Like There is No Way Out (other than death); Poor Problem-Solving
Sense of Purposelessness or Loss of Meaning; No Reasons for Living
Negative or Mixed Attitude Toward Help-Receiving
Negative or Mixed Attitude by Potential Caregiver to Individual
Recklessness or Excessive Risk-Taking Behavior, Especially if Out of Character or Seemingly Without Thinking of Consequences, Tendency Toward Impulsivity

Facts provided by American Association of Suicidology. Learn More