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September 5, 2022
Suicide is Preventable. Understanding the Risk Factors Could Help Save A Life
While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. Learning them can save lives.
Risk factors
Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life.
Health
- Mental health conditions
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- Depression, Substance use problems, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Conduct disorder, Anxiety disorders, Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships.
- Serious physical health conditions including pain
- Traumatic brain injury
Environmental
- Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
- Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
- Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
- Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
Historical
- Previous suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma
Warning signs
Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.
Talk
If a person talks about:
- Killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
Behavior
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Relief/Sudden Improvement
Share this important message.
Find More Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources Here
Firearm Retailer and Ranges Find More Resources Here:
What Firearm Retailers and Ranges Can Do for Suicide Prevention Month this September
Find More Sharable Resources at: nssf.org/share-center
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