WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Biological, Psychological and Social Risk Factors for Suicide

• Previous suicide attempt
• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and certain personality disorder diagnoses
• Alcohol and substance abuse disorders
• Family history of suicide
• History of trauma or abuse
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• Some major physical illnesses
• Environmental Risk Factors
• Job or financial loss
• Relational or social loss
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with help-seeking behavior
• Barriers to obtaining access to health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Certain cultural and religious beliefs, for instance the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to the influence of others who have died by suicide, including media exposure

• Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance use disorders
• Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help-seeking
• Restricted access to highly lethal methods of suicide
• Strong connections to family and community support
• Support through ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
• Learned skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes
• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation