Warning Signs

WARNING SIGNS, PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Threatening to, talking or writing about suicide
• Previous suicide attempt
• Seeking methods to kill oneself
• Agitation, especially combined with sleeplessness
• Giving away prized possessions, making final arrangements, putting affairs in order
• Feeling hopeless or trapped
• Withdrawing from friends, family or society
• Nightmares
• Changes in eating patterns
• Dramatic mood changes
• Increased   alcohol or drug use
• Inability to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Recent loss of a friend or family member through death,  suicide,  or  divorce
• Sudden dramatic decline or improvement in work/school work
• Themes of death or depression in conversation, writing, reading or art
• Neglect of personal appearance
• No longer interested in favorite activities or hobbies
• Chronic headaches, stomach aches, fatigue
• Taking unnecessary risks/recklessness
• Sudden, unexpected loss of freedom or fear of punishment/humiliation

Protective Factors for Suicide

• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation
• Skill in solving problems, resolving conflict and handling disputes non-violently
• Strong connections to family
• Strong connections to community support
• Effective professional care for mental, physical and substance abuse disorders
• Easy access to a number of different types of professional help
• Being supported to seek help
• Mental and medical health care relationships that are ongoing
• No access to highly lethal means of suicide

Risk Factors for Suicide

Biopsychosocial Risk Factors Mental disorders Alcohol and other substance use disorders Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies Hopelessness History of trauma or abuse Some major physical illnesses Previous suicide attempt Family history of suicide Environmental Risk Factors Job or financial loss Relationship or social loss Easy access to lethal means Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence

Sociocultural Risk Factors Lack of social support Sense of isolation Stigma associated with seeking help Barriers to accessing mental health care and substance abuse treatment Certain cultural and religious beliefs (those that believe suicide is noble) Exposure to, and influence of others who have died by suicide