Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.

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

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• Stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a

  personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about 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 or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Extreme mood swings

Coping skills do not solve your problems but they can help you get through a situation until you are able to process and explore with a safe adult. Coping skills take practice and often repetitive action to be effective. This is not an exhaustive list and you may find that some coping skills work better for you than others.

Grounding Techniques help shift your focus from a stressor to something more tangible/concrete.

TIPP is a distress tolerance skill that can alleviate high intensity emotions fairly quickly. TIPP is an acronym that stands for the following four steps: temperature, intense exercise, paced breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Mindfulness is the act of being present in the moment and noticing what is going on within and around us. This practice focuses on non-judgment and slowing our reactions to daily occurrences.