|
|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
| Suicide
Risk Factors and Warning Signs |
| |
About
Suicide
(View Additional Pages Below) |
|
|
SUICIDE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING
SIGNS
NOTE: This website is intended for informational purposes
only.
Adapted from Colorado's Office of Suicide Prevention
RISK FACTORS
· Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or other mental illness-
especially when there is a heightened sense of hopelessness
· Significant loss (divorce, death, loss of health,
separation, break-ups, loss of respect)
· Pressure to succeed
· Family problems
· Poor self esteem
· Family history of suicidal behavior
· Someone close to individual has completed suicide
· Substance abuse or dependence
WARNING SIGNS
People who are in danger of taking their own lives may
try to reach out to others - sometimes directly, sometimes
indirectly. Rarely will at-risk individuals immediate
volunteer the information that they are thinking of
harming themselves. Instead they might exhibit some
of the following warning signs:
· Talking about suicide, death, or preoccupation with
dying. Might say, "I wish I were dead" or "People would
be better off if I am not around" or "Soon you won't
have to worry about me" or "I just can't take it anymore.
I am done."
· Has a suicidal plan and the means to carry it through
(note: many attempts, especially in youth are impulsive.
Thus, absence of a plan is not evidence of absence of
risk)
· Trouble eating or sleeping (sleeping all the time,
unable to sleep at all, not able to eat or overeating)
· Intensity of distress and agitation accompanied by
depression.
· Significant changes in behavior and/or personality
· Withdrawing from family and friends
· Loss of interest in activities, work, school, hobbies,
or social interactions
· Deteriorating physical appearance
· Giving away prized possessions and saying goodbye
· Previous suicide attempts
· Increased drug and/or alcohol use
· Statements about hopelessness, or worthlessness or
feeling like a burden to others
· Taking unnecessary risks
· Sudden happiness or calmness following a depressed
mood
· Obsession with suicidal means (guns, knives, hanging
materials)
· Problems in school or work performance
· Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms
· An inability to concentrate, trouble remembering things
ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS FOR ADULTS
· Stockpiling medications
· Buying a gun
· Taking a sudden interest or losing interest in religion
· Getting ones affairs in order - paying off debt, getting
a will, getting life insurance
· Scheduling medical appointments for vague symptoms
ADDITIONAL WARNING SIGNS FOR ADOLESCENTS
· Volatile mood swings or sudden changes in personality
· Eating disorders
· Sexual orientation or gender identity concerns |
| |
|