24 Hour Hotline
Serving Buffalo and Erie Co.
716-834-3131

Kids Helpline
716-834-1144
1-877-KIDS-400

Chautauqua County Hotline
1-800-724-0461


 

Risk Factors for Suicide

The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, alcoholor drugs, aggressive or disruptive behaviors and a previous suicide attempt.

  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Close family member who has completed suicide
  • Past psychiatric hospitalization
  • Recent losses: This may include the death of a relative, a family divorce, or a breakup with a girlfriend
  • Social isolation: The individual does not have social alternatives to suicide
  • Drug or alcohol abuse: Drugs decrease impulse control making impulsive suicide more likely. Additionally, some individuals try to self-medicate their depression with drugs or alcohol
  • Exposure to violence in the home or social environment: The individual sees violent behavior as a viable solution to life problems
  • Handguns in the home, especially if loaded     
  • Depressed mood
  • Substance abuse
  • Frequent episodes of running away or being incarcerated
  • Family loss or instability; significant problem with parents
  • Expressions of suicidal thoughts, or talk of death or the afterlife during moments of sadness or boredom
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation
  • No longer interested in or enjoying activities that once were pleasurable
  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Impulsive, aggressive behavior or frequent expressions if rage
 
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