Risk Factors

A risk factor is an aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle, an environmental exposure, or an inborn or inherited characteristic that has been shown to be associated with an increased occurrence of death by suicide. People “possessing” the risk factor are considered to be at greater potential for suicidal behavior. Risk factors are not predictors or causes of suicide. The impact of some risk factors can clearly be reduced by certain interventions, such as prescribing mood stabilizing medication for Bipolar Disorder or strengthening social support in a community. Risk factors that cannot be changed (such as a previous suicide attempt) may alert others to the heightened risk of suicide during periods of the recurrence of a mental or substance abuse disorder or following stressful life events. Risk factors can be divided into four categories: individual/personal risk factors, behavioral risk factors, family risk factors, and environmental risk factors.

Individual/Personal Risk Factors

Mental disorders, such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Anxiety disorders, or Borderline Personality Disorder
Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, powerlessness, or psychological pain
Low self-esteem, recent humiliation or fear of humiliation
Impulsiveness, compulsiveness, or perfectionism
Deficits in social skills; unhealthy peer relationships or not having friends
Fascination with death
High levels of stress
Major physical illness/ severe health impairment
History of sexual assault, trauma, or abuse
Previous psychiatric/ psychological treatment
Confusion/conflict over sexual identity
Unwillingness to seek help
Pregnancy or fear of pregnancy
Incarceration or trouble with the law
Loss of a job, relationship, or status

Behavioral Risk Factors

Aggressive or violent behavior, rage
Alcohol and other substance use/abuse
Previous suicide attempt
Impulsive or reckless behavior
Running away from home
School failure/truancy

Family Risk Factors

Family history of suicide
Family history of mental illness, alcoholism, and/or child maltreatment
Changes in family structure
Lack of strong bonding within the family
Unrealistic parental expectations
Unpredictable parental behavior

Environmental Risk Factors

Easy access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, poisons, bridges, etc.)
Frequent moves or changes in living situation
Anniversary of someone else’s death, particularly by suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior
Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Certain cultural and religious beliefs (for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
Exposure to suicide or suicide attempts, including through the media and/ or memorials for those who have died by suicide
Living in a remote or rural area

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