Warning Signs & Risk Factors of Suicide
Warning signs are important, but it is very important to include the Risk Factors.
Coupling the two, warning signs and risk factors give a clearer picture of the "stacking" in a person's life and the increased risk of suicide.
Warning Signs
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Giving away possessions
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Risk Factors
- Previous Suicide Attempt
- Problems with school or the law
- Breakup of a romance
- Unexpected pregnancy
- A stressful family life. (having parents who are depressed or are substance abusers, or a family history of suicide
- Loss of security...fear of authority, peers, group or gang members
- Stress due to new situations; college or relocating to a new community
- Failing in school or failing to pass an important test
- A serious illness or injury to oneself
- Seriously injuring another person or causing another person's death (example: automobile accident)
- Major loss...of a loved one, a home, divorce in the family, a trauma, a relationship
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Suicide victims are not trying to end their life - they are trying to end the pain!
The problem is all the pain they leave behind for their loved ones. Families never heal that loss.
