Suicide: Risk Factors, Warning Signs and How to Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.

Suicide is death caused by harming oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves trying to end their life but does not die.

Suicide is a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Its effects last. People who survive an attempt may have serious injuries that affect their long-term health, and may have depression or other mental health problems. When someone dies by suicide, their family, friends and community may feel grief, shock, anger and guilt; some develop post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or anxiety, and some are themselves at risk of suicidal thoughts.

Who is at risk

Suicide can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Factors that can raise the risk include:

• a previous suicide attempt;
• depression and other mental health disorders;
• an alcohol or drug use disorder;
• a family history of mental health disorders, alcohol or drug use disorders, or suicide;
• family violence, including intimate partner violence and child or sexual abuse;
• guns in the home;
• being in prison or jail, or recently released;
• exposure to others' suicidal behavior — a family member, a peer or a celebrity;
• medical illness, including chronic pain;
• stressful events such as losing a job, money problems, a death or a breakup;
• being aged 15 to 24, or over 60.

Warning signs

• talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;
• making a plan or looking for a way, such as searching online;
• buying a gun or stockpiling pills;
• feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or that there is no reason to live;
• being in unbearable pain;
• talking about being a burden to others;
• drinking or using drugs more;
• acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly;
• sleeping too little or too much;
• withdrawing from family and friends, or feeling isolated;
• showing rage or talking about revenge;
• extreme mood swings;
• saying goodbye to loved ones or putting affairs in order.

Some people tell others about suicidal thoughts; others try to hide them, which can make the signs harder to see.

How to help

If you or someone you know shows warning signs — especially a change in behavior — get help right away. If it is an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, there are five steps you can take:

1. Ask whether they are thinking about killing themselves.
2. Keep them safe. Find out whether they have a plan, and keep them away from anything they could use to end their life.
3. Be there. Listen carefully to what they are thinking and feeling.
4. Help them connect to support:
5. • call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or use Lifeline Chat;
   • veterans can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online.
6. Stay connected. Keeping in touch after a crisis can make a difference.

Sources

• MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine): "Suicide," with information from the National Institute of Mental Health.