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Suicidal Risk Factors

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, over 33,300 Americans committed suicide in 2006. Suicide victims sometimes exhibit signs and symptoms that are overlooked by those closest to them. By recognizing suicidal risk factors, family and friends can be more aware of the need for professional intervention, and possibly make a difference between life and death.

  1. Previous Life Experiences

    • Some risk factors for suicide entail events that took place many years before. These can include (but are not limited to) problems with school, trouble with the law, abuse, history of suicidal attempts and stressful home life. Professional intervention is often necessary to help suicidal individuals through these difficult times and to cope with their feelings and suicidal thoughts.

    Major Life Crisis

    • Oftentimes life does not go just as we plan. Unexpected events such as unplanned pregnancies, loss of a loved one, divorce or even bad grades can cause a person to feel that they can't go on living. Some people find it hard to discuss their troubles with others and will keep it to themselves, which can sometimes lead to depression or other mental conditions that increase the risk of suicidal tendencies.

    Personality Changes

    • Some risk factors include those that can only be seen by others when a person acts differently than normal or changes habits suddenly. For example, if a person has no previous history of suicidal thoughts and suddenly begin frequently discussing it, should be considered a risk for suicidal attempts. Fascination or an addiction to the idea of death is also a sever risk factor. Other risk factors dealing with the personality can include severe hopelessness, depression, loss of security and loss of interest in everyday routine activities.

    Medical Injury or Illness

    • Sometimes when one gets injured or develops a terminal illness, it can cause them to feel isolated and separated from the rest of their peers. They can't always participate in the same activities they once did. Whether it's a broken arm, a hurt back or cancer, it can cause depression, feelings of uselessness and isolation. Sometimes the simple fact of depression can drive people to injure themselves or other people in order to release their feelings. People with this problem can become dangerous very quickly and must be seen by a psychiatrist in order to prevent suicide.

    Warning

    • If you or anyone you now is feeling depressed or has had suicidal thoughts or attempts, seek help immediately. There are suicide hot-lines and doctors who are willing to help 24/7.

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