The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (lhttps://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/) lists three areas that elevate the risk of suicide: HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY.


Health factors
Mental health conditions
Substance abuse disorders
Alcohol abuse disorders
Serious or chronic health conditions
Chronic pain
Limited access to healthcare
Sleeping difficulties

Environmental factors
Stressful life events including death, divorce, or separation or job loss
Prolonged stress factors including harassment, bullying, relationship problems
Financial or school difficulties
Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
Exposure to suicide in the media or community

Historical factors
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide attempts
History of self-harm
Recent hospitalization
Cultural beliefs that support suicide

The Foundation indicates warn suicide may be imminent in these three areas: TALK, BEHAVIOR, MOOD.

Talk
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Talking about feeling hopeless and helpless
Experiencing unbearable pain
Expressing there's no reason to live
Poor problem solving

Behavior
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Accessing lethal means
Acting recklessly
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Hopelessness about the future
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Mood
Depression
Loss of interest
Rage
Irritability
Humiliation
Anxiety
Impulsivity
Despair
Sudden sense of peacefulness

How to get help
If you or a loved one experiences any risk factors, reach out to a mental health professional for help or call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you find support 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-273-5322 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

If warning signs are present in you or a loved one it's vital to get immediate care.
Calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room can be life-saving.

Worldwide, more people die from suicide than all the deaths caused by accidents, natural disasters, wars and homicides around the world, combined. Eight out of ten people suicide give some sign of their intentions. With knowledge and prevention, we can help those struggling with suicidal thinking find treatment, hope, and healing.

Source: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/

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