Suicide Prevention & Help

Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

Source: NIH

People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide.

The main risk factors for suicide are:

• A history of suicide attempts

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder

• Chronic pain

• Family history of a mental disorder or substance use

• Family history of suicide

• Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

• The presence of guns or other firearms in the home

• Having recently been released from prison or jail

• Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

Source: NIH