At times, signs of suicide can be very clear and it can be evident that someone is needs help. Signs of suicide can be murky and unclear. Risk factors are are indications that an individual is more likely to consider suicide that someone that doesn't possess these risk factors. Warning signs are an indication that an individual needs immediate help for the pain they are feeling. Many of these signs and risk factors can be present in people with depression, but that does not always mean that the individual is considering suicide.
To help clear up some of the murkiness, we have compiled a list of suicide warning signs and risk factors.
SUICIDE RISK FACTORS
Family history of suicide
Mood disorders
History of alcohol or drug abuse
Local epidemics of suicide
Isolation
Loss (Death, employment, divorce, etc.)
Inability to access mental health treatment
Physical illness
Access to lethal weapons
Unwillingness to seek help for mental health issues
Traumatic brain injury
Prolonged stress
History of child abuse or neglect
WARNING SIGNS
Talking about death and wanting to die
Looking for ways to kill oneself
Talking about feelings of helplessness or having no purpose
Talking about feelings of being trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increased use of drugs or alcohol
Acting anxious, agitate, or reckless
Sleeping too little or too much
Feeling isolated or withdrawing
Showing rage
Talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings
To better understand where a person is you need to have the conversation that clears up any confusion. You can find A guide on how to start the discussion about suicide by following this link to our "Talking About Suicide And Depression" blog post.
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