Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors Depression Suicide Print Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 28, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Martin Dimitrov / istock More in Depression Suicide Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Types Childhood Depression In This Article Table of Contents Expand Risk Factors Warning Signs Safety Plan Suicide Prevention View All Back To Top Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. If someone you love has  clinical depression, there is a strong risk that they will at some point think about suicide. Although estimates vary, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that around 2% of people who have ever had outpatient treatment for depression die by suicide.?? But depression is not the only risk factor for suicide. Suicide accounts for about 1.5% of all worldwide deaths. Other psychiatric conditions including substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychosis can also be risk factors for suicide.?? While there is a strong relationship between mental health and suicide and the risk is serious, it is important to remember that the majority of people with mental health conditions do not attempt or complete suicide. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 54% of people who die by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.?? The best way to prevent suicide, according to Suicide Prevention Resources, is to make sure you know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.?? Risk Factors Risk factors can include both the situations a person experiences and how the person is feeling internally. Though it may be easier to recognize situations and times when suicide is more common, understanding how someone is feeling inside requires a little more detective work. Life Situations Certain conditions and situations are associated with an increased risk of suicide, including:?? Death or terminal illness of a relative or friendDivorce, separation, or the breakup of a relationshipLoss of health (real or imagined)Loss of job, home, money, status, self-esteem, or personal securityDrug or alcohol misuseDepression In addition, there are certain times when people may be more prone to suicidal feelings, such as: Holidays and anniversariesThe first week after discharge from a hospitalWhen treatment with an antidepressant first beginsJust before and after diagnosis of a major illness (for example, the risk of suicide in cancer patients is highest shortly after diagnosis rather than after cancer has spread or progressed)??Just before and during disciplinary proceedings Emotional and Behavioral Changes Emotionally, the suicidal person may be feeling:?? Overwhelming painHopelessnessPowerlessnessWorthlessness, shame, guilt, or self-hatredFear of losing control and harming themselves or others Behaviorally, the person may:?? Appear sad, withdrawn, tired, apathetic, anxious, irritable, or prone to angry outburstsNot be performing well in school, work, or other activitiesBecome socially isolated or fall in with the wrong crowdHave declining interest in sex, friends, or activities previously enjoyedNeglect personal welfare or let their appearance goExperience a change in eating or sleeping habits Types of Suicide Risk Factors There are two different types of suicide risk factors: proximal risk factors and distal risk factors. Proximal risk factors are immediate signs that signal that a suicide attempt may take place such as recent suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, recent stressful life events, access to firearms, and learning about someone else dying by suicide.Distal factors are background issues or events that can increase the risk of suicide such as comorbid psychiatric conditions, a family history of suicide, and a history of previous suicide attempts. Warning Signs Suicide warning signs which you should be aware of include:?? DepressionPrevious suicide attemptsPreoccupation with deathStatements like, You would be better off without me or I wish I were deadTalking openly about wanting to kill oneselfDevelopment of a suicide plan, acquiring the means to carry it out, rehearsal behavior, or setting a time for the attemptMaking out a will or giving away favorite possessionsInappropriately saying goodbyeMaking ambiguous statements like, You wont have to worry about me anymore, I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up, or I just cant take it anymoreSuddenly switching from being very depressed to being very happy or calm for no apparent reason If You See Warning Signs If you observe any of these warning signs in your loved one, encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional. If they refuse, be persistent. If they appear to be in immediate danger of hurting themselves, do not leave them alone, remove any possible means that they can use to hurt themselves, and get them to an emergency room as soon as possible. Never hesitate to contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline online or by phone at 1-800-273-8255. Caring counselors are available for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Safety Plan While not exclusive to depression, suicidal thoughts are common among people with depression. If you are living with depression but do not feel suicidal, some people find it helpful to make up a contingency plan on the chance that they may feel suicidal in the future. How to Create a Suicide Safety Plan Suicide Prevention If you dont know if you should be concerned about a loved one and arent ready to take them to the emergency room or call the suicide hotline, here are some things you can do.?? Be Alert Know the risk factors and warning signs. Be particularly concerned if your loved one shows multiple suicide warning signs. Encourage a loved one with depression to seek help. Help them locate treatment resources such as a doctor, therapist, or suicide hotline. Communicate Dont discount your loved ones feelings. Even if a situation seems easily fixable to you that doesnt mean that your loved one sees it the same way. Ask your loved one about suicidal thoughts. Many people are afraid that bringing up the idea of suicide will raise the likelihood it will occur. Thats simply not true. Show Support Express your love. Even if you feel your love should be obvious through your actions, many people craveâ€"and feel validated byâ€"the expression of that love in words. Share your feelings with one another. Your loved one may ask you to keep what they share with you to yourself and not tell anyone. But when it comes to suicide warning signs, not only is that ask not fair to you, but it may be in their best interest to involve others if needed. Use your best judgment, and make your loved ones health and safety your first priority. A Note About Warning Signs While most people who attempt suicide do show some sort of warning signs, there are also those people who, because of social stigma or a desire to not appear weak, will successfully hide what they are feeling. If you fail to recognize that your loved one is considering or considered suicide, do not blame yourself. Remember that you did the best you could with the information you had. How to Help When Someone Is Suicidal