Suicide: Know the risk factors and warning signs

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it can be prevented by recognizing the risk factors, warning signs and knowing how to get help. The American Psychiatric Association identifies people between the ages of 10 and 34 and those 75 years of age and older as being the most at risk. Although males are far more likely to take their lives, suicide rates among girls and young women have been rising in recent years. 

The psychiatrist at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry wants individuals, their friends and families to be familiar with the risk factors and warning signs of this serious public health problem, and understand how to respond. Here are some of the major indicators and resources, as provided by the National Institute of Mental Health and American Psychiatric Association:

Risk factors include:

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• History of suicide in the family

• Mood disorders

• Exposure to suicidal behavior of others

• Social isolation

• History of trauma or abuse

• Experiencing losses through death, relationship breakups, financial or legal troubles

• Access to lethal means such as guns or medications

Warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling overwhelming guilt or shame, or being a burden to others

• Feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live; extreme sadness, anxiety, agitation or rage; unbearable emotional or physical pain.

• Changes in behavior, such as: making a plan or researching ways to die; withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will; displaying extreme mood swings; eating or sleeping more or less; more frequent use of drugs or alcohol; taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast.

If these signs apply to you or someone you know, call or text 988, text “HELLO” to 741741 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Visit nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention and bethe1to.com for more information and resources. The psychiatrist at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry emphasizes that suicide is preventable, and urges you to reach out to get help, especially if these behaviors are new or have recently increased.