Certain factors, including those below, are associated with an increased risk of suicide, though most people with these risk factors don’t attempt suicide:
- A prior suicide attempt
- Depression and other mental health disorders
- A substance abuse disorder
- A family history of mental illness; substance abuse; suicide; or family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Having easy access to firearms or potentially lethal medications
- A significant loss (relationship, work, or financial)
- Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of a family member, a peer, or a media figure
- Physical illness, especially when it significantly limits function or life expectancy or involves intractable chronic pain
- Social isolation or no social support
- Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
- Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental illness
- Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
- Sense of persistent hopelessness
- Certain cultural, philosophical, or religious beliefs, such as a belief that suicide is a noble resolution for a personal dilemma
- Being between ages 15 and 24 or over age 60
- Being a military veteran in overseas conflicts
- Being in prison or jail
This article first appeared in the October 2018 issue of UC Berkeley Health After 50.
Published October 18, 2018
