Suicide: Risk Factors and Signs
How common is suicide in children and teens?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2014, suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–24.1 Although these numbers may make suicide seem common, it is still a rare event. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are more common than suicide deaths and are signs of extreme distress. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not harmless bids for attention and should not be ignored.
What are some of the risk factors for suicide?
Risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may change over time. Some factors that increase an individual's risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors are
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders
- Substance abuse disorder
- Chronic pain
- Prior suicide attempt
- Family history of suicide
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Firearms in the home
- Having recently been released from jail or prison
- Exposure to suicidal behavior of others, such as family members or peers
It is important to note that many people who have these risk factors are not suicidal.
What are the warning signs?
The following are some of the signs you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be reason for concern:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill oneself
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online
- Buying a gun or stockpiling pills
- Feeling empty, hopeless, or feeling like there is no reason to live
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing from family or friends or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Saying good-bye to loved ones, putting affairs in order
Seeking help is a sign of strength; if you are concerned, go with your instincts and seek professional help. Reaching out to a friend you are concerned about is also a sign of strength.
What can I do for myself or someone else?
Immediate action is very important. Here are a few resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) offers confidential help 24 hours a day. You also can visit the Lifeline's website at Link opens in a new windowhttps://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
- Veterans Crisis Line is available at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net.
- For the Crisis Text Line, text START to 741-741 or visit Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.crisistextline.org/textline.
- HealthReach has information available in multiple languages: Link opens in a new windowhttps://healthreach.nlm.nih.gov/searchindex/Suicide.
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) web page "Help for Mental Illnesses" may be helpful: Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml.
- Try the Treatment Referral Routing Service, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
What if someone seems suicidal on social media?
Many social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and Google+, have ways to report suicidal content and get help for the content creator. Each social media site has a different procedure, so search the site's help page for assistance.
What if I want to write a story about suicide?
Great idea! Here are suggestions for reporting on suicide: Link opens in a new windowhttp://reportingonsuicide.org.
Reference
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2014). 10 leading causes of death by age group, United States – 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS): https://www.cdc.gov
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). NIMH answers questions about suicide. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov