Although anyone can be at risk of suicide, there are factors that may raise a person’s risk. Learn about the suicide risk factors and signs to watch for, as well as treatment methods to help those who may be thinking about suicide.
Suicide is a global public health issue. Despite the large number of people around the world who struggle with thoughts of suicide, a lack of access to resources and support, stigma, and a lack of available mental health professionals help contribute to suicide rates.
Risks
Some people have a genetic predisposition that puts them at increased risk of suicide. This genetic factor combined with stressors, especially financial difficulty, traumatic experiences, and mental illness, can cause significant distress and impact the natural way the body and mind typically handle stressful situations.
Though anyone can be at risk of suicide, there are some distinguishing characteristics for those who are most at risk:
Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Those with depression, substance use issues, and psychosis are more at risk. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 20 to 40.
People who are suffering from a terminal or life-threatening illness like cancer are also at higher risk of suicide, and the rates of suicide go up as people age.
Signs
It may not always be easy to tell when someone is thinking about suicide. Sometimes a person may isolate themselves, close off their emotions from others, or act like everything is OK when in reality they are struggling. This means that even though a person seems OK or denies being suicidal, they still could be at risk.
Sometimes someone will talk about suicide or about wanting to end their life but will do so in a way that sounds as if they are joking or not serious. Talking about suicide or death is an important sign to pay attention to, even if the person is smiling or making jokes about it.
Other signs that a person may be suicidal include:
Excessive quietnessWithdrawal from loved onesAvoiding physical contact or eye contactFatigueIrritabilityOutbursts of angerStrange acts that could be a way to practice for suicide
People who are suicidal might not always express their intent, sometimes because they don’t know how to say it and sometimes because they feel like a burden talking about it. Any sign of suicide or concerning change in a person’s behavior should be taken seriously.
Preventive Treatment
Those who are at immediate risk of hurting or killing themselves should be taken to the hospital right away for treatment. The best way to prevent suicide and treat someone with suicidal thoughts is to work with a licensed mental health professional. The specific treatment plan will vary depending on the person, their main concerns, and any mental health diagnoses they may have.
Along with professional treatment, there are things that can be done to keep a person with suicidal thoughts safe at home. The most common methods used for suicide are hanging, self-poisoning, and guns. Ensuring that dangerous items are locked away can help by removing a person’s access to easy means.
Talking to a person who is suicidal can also be helpful. Asking questions about how the person is feeling, providing support, and offering to help lets the person know they have a safe place to discuss their thoughts and feelings. Using words like “suicide” and “death” tells the person that they can be honest about their feelings and bring up even scary and stigmatized topics. This type of supportive listening should always be provided in addition to, not as a replacement for, professional treatment.
Summary
Suicide is tragically common, with one person dying by suicide every 40 seconds around the world. Suicide may seem unpreventable, but there are risks, signs of distress, and treatment options to be aware of.
Since suicide can impact anyone, it is often the family and friends of those who are suicidal who recognize the changes in thoughts and behaviors that may indicate someone is at risk. It’s also usually the loved ones of someone who is suicidal who are best able to help that person access supports.
Getting help right away is very important in preventing suicide, even when you’re unsure about how immediate the risk is.
A Word From Verywell
Whether it’s about yourself or someone else, suicide can be a scary thing to talk about. Struggling with your own or others’ suicidal thoughts can feel very lonely, but you are not alone. There are always options, even when it feels like you’ve tried everything. Sometimes just telling someone what you are going through is enough to get started on a path to healing and to lift some of the burden you are experiencing.
If you are unsure where to turn for help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, talk to your doctor, or talk to a mental health professional. If you or someone else is at immediate risk, dial 911.
