What are Risk Factors?
Risk factors are influences that make it more likely that individuals will develop a mental health problem. They include biological, psychological, or social factors in the individual, family, or community. The more risk factors a person has, the more he/she is at risk for suicide and other self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse.
Individual Risk Factors
- Mental health problems, including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use problems
- Loss (due to death, relationship, job, or status)
- Poor impulse control
- Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, powerlessness, or desperation
- History of trauma or abuse (e.g. physical, mental, or sexual)
- Prior suicide attempt (significantly increases risk)
- Fascination with death and violence
- History of bullying or interpersonal violence
- Confusion or conflict about sexual orientation/identity
- Compulsive, extreme perfectionism
Family Risk Factors
- Family history of suicide
- Depressed and/or suicidal parents
- Alcoholic and/or drug-addicted parents
- Changes in family structure (e.g. death, divorce, remarriage, frequent moves/relocation)
- Financial difficulties
Community Risk Factors
- Access to lethal means, e.g. firearms or other lethal means
- Stigma associated with help-seeking
- Lack of access to helping services
- Loss of family, friends, or idols to suicide
- Anniversary of someone else’s suicide or other death
- Incarceration or loss of freedom; trouble with the law
This list of risk factors was developed by the National Center for Suicide Prevention Training.