Risk Factors
Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex and there is no single cause. In fact, many different factors contribute to someone making a suicide attempt. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:
Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
Certain medical conditions
Chronic pain
A prior suicide attempt
Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
Family history of suicide
Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
Having guns or other firearms in the home
Having recently been released from prison or jail
Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities
Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored.
Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can be the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. See the resources on our “Find Help for Mental Illnesses” page if you're not sure where to start.
Do gender and age affect suicide risk?
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning. The most recent figures released by the CDC show that the highest rate of suicide deaths among women is found between ages 45 and 64, while the highest rate for men occurs at ages 75+. Children and young adults also are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34.
What about different racial/ethnic groups?
The CDC reports that among racial and ethnic groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. African Americans tend to have the lowest suicide rate, while Hispanics tend to have the second lowest rate.
5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain
Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
More ideas
Instant access: It may be helpful to save several emergency numbers to your cell phone. The ability to get immediate help for yourself or for a friend can make a difference.
The phone number for a trusted friend or relative
The non-emergency number for the local police department
The Crisis Text Line: 741741
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Social Media: Knowing how to get help for a social media friend can save a life. Contact the social media site directly if you are concerned about a friend’s updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the NSPL’s website.
For Marin High Schoolers
RESOURCES
If you or someone you know needs support:
Emergency
Call 911 immediately
Non-Emergency
Marin Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) 7 days a week 1pm-9pm: 1 (415) 473-6392
Crisis Text Line: Text BAY to 741741
After Hours support through Psychiatric Emergency Services: 1 (415) 473-6666
Marin County Mental Health Access and Assessment Line: 1 (888) 818-1115
Marin General Psychiatric Emergency Services: 1 (415) 473-6666
Kaiser San Rafael Psychiatry: 1 (415) 491-3000
Huckleberry Youth Programs Counseling (sliding scale): 1 (415) 621-2929
Marin Suicide Prevention & Crisis Hotline: 1 (415) 499-1100
California Youth Crisis Line: 1 (800) 843-5200
For Napa & Sonoma High Schoolers
For San Francisco High Schoolers
Crisis Line: (415) 781-0500
HIV Nightline: (415) 434-2437 or 1-800-273-2437
HIV Textline: (415) 200-2920
Drug Information Line: (415) 362-3400
Relapse Line: (415) 834-1144
PWSS Support Line: (415) 288-7160
TTY: (415) 227-0245
Treatments and Therapies
Research has shown that there are multiple risk factors for suicide and that these factors may vary with age, gender, physical and mental well-being, and with individual experiences. Treatments and therapies for people with suicidal thoughts or actions will vary as well. NIMH has focused research on strategies that have worked well for mental health conditions related to suicide such as depression and anxiety.
Psychotherapies
Multiple types of psychosocial interventions have been found to be beneficial for individuals who have attempted suicide. These types of interventions may prevent someone from making another attempt. Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is one type of psychosocial intervention and can effectively reduce suicide risk.
One type of psychotherapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences through training. CBT helps individuals recognize their own thought patterns and consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.
Another type of psychotherapy, called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.
NIMH’s Find Help for Mental Illnesses page can help you locate a mental health provider in your area.
Medication
Some individuals at risk for suicide might benefit from medication. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best medication or medication combination, as well as the right dose.
Clozapine, is an antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat individuals with schizophrenia. However, it is the only medication with a specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication for reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are at risk for ongoing suicidal behavior. Because many individuals at risk for suicide often have psychiatric and substance use problems, individuals might benefit from medication along with psychosocial intervention.
If you are prescribed a medication, be sure you:
Talk with your doctor or a pharmacist to make sure you understand the risks and benefits of the medications you're taking.
Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first. Suddenly stopping a medication may lead to "rebound" or worsening of symptoms. Other uncomfortable or potentially dangerous withdrawal effects also are possible.
Report any concerns about side effects to your doctor right away. You may need a change in the dose or a different medication.
Report serious side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088. You or your doctor may send a report.
Other medications have been used to treat suicidal thoughts and behaviors but more research is needed to show the benefit for these options. For basic information about these medications, you can visit the NIMH Mental Health Medications webpage. For the most up-to-date information on medications, side effects, and warnings, visit the FDA website.
Ongoing Research
In order to know who is most at risk and to prevent suicide, scientists need to understand the role of long-term factors (such as childhood experiences) as well as more immediate factors like mental health and recent life events. Researchers also are looking at how genes can either increase risk or make someone more resilient to loss and hardships.
Recent findings from NIMH funded research are listed in the Research and Statistics section below but NIMH also is funding a number of ongoing studies related to suicide.
Learn More
Free eBooks and Brochures
Suicide: A Major, Preventable Mental Health Problem, this fact sheet answers some common questions about suicide and suicide prevention among teens and young adults.
Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions, this brochure covers suicide risk in people of all genders and age groups.
Understanding Suicide, a fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Federal Resources
MedlinePlus, information from the National Library of Medicine
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a public-private partnership advancing the national strategy for suicide prevention
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention: Goals and Objectives for Action, 2012
#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month.
Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ), a free resource for medical settings (emergency department, inpatient medical/surgical units, outpatient clinics/primary care) that can help nurses or physicians successfully identify youth at risk for suicide.
Multimedia
Listen: Podcast on Childhood Suicide and Keeping Kids Safe Online
Watch: Reaching Older Adults: Dr. Jo Anne Sirey talks about seniors, depression, and services.
Jennifer Eve Taylor, JD is the President of JET ED Consulting, the Premier provider of educational consultative services providing families with the best options for each family's unique circumstances. Jennifer is a Member of the Board of Directors for The Therapeutic Consulting Association and Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Visit the JET ED Consulting website at jetedconsulting.com for more information.