SUICIDE PREVENTION: RISK FACTORS AND HOW TO HELP SOMEONE IN CRISIS

Written By Amanda Holliday

Did you know that in California, suicide is a leading cause of death, particularly among teens and the elderly? While the subject is hard to think about—let alone talk about—it is important to be informed and educated on the warning signs so you can help loved ones when they need it. Below you will find a list of risk factors, protective factors, symptoms of depression and the warning signs that 75% of suicidal persons display. Choosing to become informed can arm us with the knowledge to help prevent suicide.

Suicide Risk Factors

Below are common risk factors to be aware of:

  • Mental disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders

  • Hopelessness

  • Impulsive or aggressive tendencies

  • History of trauma or abuse

  • Certain major physical illnesses

  • Previous suicide attempt

  • Suicide death of family member or loved one

  • Job or financial loss

  • Divorce or death of spouse

  • Relationship or social loss

  • Easy access to lethal means

  • Legal or IRS problems

  • Academic or social failure in school

  • Lack of social support, a sense of isolation

  • Stigma associated with seeking help

  • Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health

  • Certain cultural and religious beliefs

  • Exposure to someone who has died by suicide and the associated negative influence, including through the media

Signs of Depression

  • Feeling sad or anxious, or being in an empty mood that does not go away.

  • Feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless

  • Having trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions

  • Feeling very tired or lacking energy

  • Having trouble sleeping, staying asleep or sleeping too much

  • Having little interest in eating or eating all the time

  • Feeling irritable or restless

  • Having aches and pains that don’t go away regardless of what you do.

  • Having little interest or find little pleasure in activities you once enjoyed

  • Having thoughts of death or suicide

What Can You Do To Help?

  • Take all threats, gestures and previous attempts seriously

  • Make sure your loved one’s professional caregiver does as well

  • Express you concern. Be a non-judgmental listener

  • Ask what the matter is. Get the person in crisis to talk about the problem(s)

  • Don’t try to talk them out of suicide. This indicates you’re not listening

  • Let them know you care. Have a sense of what they are feeling and assure them they are not alone

  • Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide directly, or ask if they have a plan

  • Help them understand their problems are temporary and can be solved

  • If they were in crisis before, ask how they resolved it. Can they apply the same solution now? Discuss alternative solutions

  • Never agree to keep suicidal thoughts or plans a secret

  • If professional care is required, help them find it. It may be necessary to accompany them

  • If the crisis is acute, do not leave them alone until help is available. Remove firearms, knives, razors, medications and other potentially dangerous items from the area

  • After assistance is obtained, follow up with the person’s treatment and progress.

  • Take an active role to ensure treatment compliance

If you need additional help or resources, don’t hesitate to reach out. Prevention starts with us.

 

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Amanda Holliday
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