Suicide: What Are The Risk Factors?

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Mental illness is a risk factor for suicide

But, a CDC* study showed that 54% of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.

Risk factors for suicide are:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Bullying
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• Losing a family member or friend to suicide
• Death of a family member or close friend
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means (usually firearms)
• Local cluster of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and internet)

*Center for Disease Control and Prevention

LAMSA’s note: If you have suicidal thoughts, please call “1564” (Lebanon) or go to the nearest Emergency Department